Missouri Preview: Inside the Greater KC Suburban White League

As we continue our deep dive into the Greater Kansas City Suburban League, our focus now shifts to the White Division -- a group of teams that appear primed for another season of growth, competition, and fresh storylines. With several programs introducing new talent and coaching adjustments, this division carries an unmistakable sense of momentum. The balance of power feels more open than ever, and as the season unfolds, many of the league's biggest questions will begin to find their answers on the court.   In this in-depth season outlook, I'll take a closer look at several key teams within the Suburban White League, breaking down their strengths, challenges, and paths to contention. I'll also highlight one sleeper team that has the potential to disrupt expectations and make a serious push up the standings. From early-season risers to established contenders, we'll explore who's best positioned to make noise as the race for the championship heats up.   To close things out, I'll unveil my projected Top 10 All-League Team, spotlighting the athletes most likely to define this season through leadership and performance. Finally, I'll share my early pick for Player of the Year -- the standout competitor with the talent and drive to lead their team to the top of the Suburban White League.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleepers - Truman, Fort Osage</h3>   Truman has the potential to emerge as one of the sleeper teams to watch in the upcoming season. While the program does face the challenge of replacing a significant amount of production from last year's roster, there's still a strong foundation in place. The returning group features several experienced players who appear ready to elevate their roles and help the team exceed expectations.   Leading the way will be Doral Thompson, a dynamic and compact guard who should serve as the engine of Truman's offense. Thompson is expected to have the ball in his hands frequently, tasked with both creating his own scoring opportunities and facilitating for teammates. His ability to change pace, attack off the dribble, and operate effectively in pick-and-roll situations makes him a constant threat to opposing defenses. Thompson's athleticism allows him to get downhill quickly, and his knack for breaking down defenders in isolation sets him apart as a playmaker capable of dictating the tempo.   Roman Rosenbaum will also be a key returner, bringing a strong inside presence with his size, length, and athleticism. Rosenbaum proved last season that he can finish well above the rim, showcasing an array of highlight-worthy dunks and rim-protecting blocks. This year, the focus will be on expanding his offensive repertoire -- developing consistency as a scorer in half-court sets and asserting himself on the glass at both ends. If he can take that next step, Rosenbaum could become one of the more impactful forwards in the league.   Another important piece returning for Truman is Triston Daniels, a versatile two-way contributor capable of influencing games on both ends of the floor. Daniels brings defensive intensity, athleticism, and the ability to make timely plays that shift momentum. His steady presence and balanced production give Truman the kind of reliability coaches value, especially as the team works to integrate new contributors into larger roles.   Altogether, this group gives Truman a promising blend of experience, athleticism, and competitive edge. If Thompson can lead effectively and the supporting cast continues to progress, Truman could surprise many observers and solidify itself as a legitimate sleeper in the upcoming campaign.   Fort Osage stands out as my dark horse pick to make a significant impact in the Suburban White League this season. The team returns a wealth of experience and leadership, particularly in the backcourt, where [player_tooltip player_id='2090501' first='Jax' last='Navarro'] and Nick Penamon will be the driving forces.   Navarro is set to be the team's primary scoring threat. He possesses the versatility to excel with or without the ball, demonstrating a strong understanding of how to generate offense in various situations. His handle is exceptionally elusive, allowing him to break down defenders and create the separation needed for high-percentage scoring opportunities. Whether it's shooting off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot scenarios, Navarro is a consistent threat from the perimeter. Additionally, he's highly creative when attacking the rim, using his body to shield defenders, finishing with either hand, and maintaining the ability to hang in the air to avoid shot-blockers.   Penamon, on the other hand, is the quintessential floor general. He orchestrates the offense with both his passing and dribbling, demonstrating a keen sense for timing and spacing. His unselfish style ensures he's always looking to create opportunities for teammates, often drawing multiple defenders and opening lanes for others. On the defensive end, Penamon sets the tone by pressuring opposing point guards and disrupting offensive schemes, making him a two-way force on the court.   While Navarro and Penamon anchor the backcourt, the key question for Fort Osage will be whether they can find sufficient support in the frontcourt. If they can secure consistent interior scoring and a reliable supporting cast, this team has the potential to break into the league's top three. With the right balance, Fort Osage could become a consistent challenger to the league's elite, turning heads and pushing the pace of the standings.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contender - Grain Valley</h3>   I fully expect Grain Valley and Belton to be locked in a neck-and-neck battle for the league crown throughout the 2025–26 season. It wouldn't surprise me in the slightest if Grain Valley ultimately reclaims the title -- but for now, I'm giving a slight edge to Belton.   For Grain Valley, everything begins and ends with [player_tooltip player_id='1775703' first='Eli' last='Herbert']. The senior guard is the unquestioned centerpiece of the program, and his ability to take over games will keep the Eagles in every matchup they play. Herbert's elite scoring touch, combined with his exceptional feel for the game, allows him to impact contests in multiple ways. Expect him to post some eye-catching box scores this winter -- whether it's raining down threes from deep range, creating off the dribble, or setting up teammates when defenses collapse on him.   The key question for Grain Valley revolves around the supporting cast surrounding Herbert. The Eagles lose two experienced contributors from last season who provided consistent production and leadership, leaving a few important roles to fill. Who steps up as the secondary scorer? Can someone emerge as a steady defensive presence or a reliable playmaker when Herbert draws extra attention?   If new contributors can establish themselves early and relieve some of the scoring and defensive pressure from Herbert, Grain Valley becomes a much more dynamic and dangerous team. Balanced support would prevent opponents from constantly blitzing Herbert or throwing complex defensive looks at him. But until those answers emerge, Belton holds the slight advantage in what promises to be one of the most competitive races in the Suburban White Division this season.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Champion - Belton</h3>   It's difficult to imagine many picking against Grain Valley to repeat as league champions in 2025–26. Coming off a dominant season and returning the league's top player, they've earned that respect. However, this year's race feels different — and a new contender is poised to seize the crown. My pick to take over the Suburban White Division is Belton, a team on the rise after showing steady growth and resilience a season ago.   Belton brings back its top three players from last year's squad, a group that proved it could compete with anyone on its schedule. Leading the charge will be sophomore guard [player_tooltip player_id='2822915' first='Jayce' last='Maiden'], who burst onto the scene as a freshman, finishing as the team's leading scorer. Maiden possesses a rare combination of size, length, athleticism, and skill that makes him one of the most exciting young players in the area. He's smooth and confident with the ball in transition, capable of creating his own offense when attacking the rim, and shows excellent timing when cutting or running the floor to exploit defensive lapses for easy baskets.   Maiden also contributes on the glass, using his physical tools and instincts to secure rebounds on both ends. His ability to extend possessions with offensive boards or finish defensive stops adds significant value. If he can take another step forward in consistency and assertiveness, he has the potential to take over games on a nightly basis this winter.   Supporting Maiden are Cooper Shrum and Caleb Campbell, two returning veterans who bring production, toughness, and leadership. Campbell, an explosive wing with a relentless motor, excels at attacking the glass as both a scorer and rebounder. His strength and aggressiveness getting downhill allow him to create high-percentage looks, while his touch and footwork give him the versatility to score on pull-ups, floaters, and spins in traffic. On the defensive end, Campbell's lateral quickness and tenacity make him a lockdown presence who relishes shutting down opposing scorers.   Meanwhile, Shrum provides size and balance in the paint. He's not only a physical post presence but also a skilled offensive player capable of stepping out and hitting mid-range or perimeter jumpers. His screening and finishing ability add another layer to Belton's offense, while his rim protection and rebounding anchor the defense.   Altogether, Belton's combination of returning experience, inside-out balance, and defensive toughness gives them the edge in what should be a tightly contested title race. If the Pirates can contain [player_tooltip player_id='1775703' first='Eli' last='Herbert'] and limit his impact, they have every opportunity to dethrone Grain Valley and claim the Suburban White League championship.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 10 All-Conference Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1775703' first='Eli' last='Herbert'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Grain Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='2822915' first='Jayce' last='Maiden'] | 6'4" Wing | Sophomore | Belton   [player_tooltip player_id='2090501' first='Jax' last='Navarro'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Fort Osage   Doral Thompson | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Truman   Cooper Shrum | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Belton   Caleb Campbell | 6'3" Wing | Junior | Belton   Nick Penamon | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Fort Osage   Mark Jones | 6'3" Wing | Senior | Ruskin   DaMarcus Charles | 6'3" Forward | Junior | Ruskin   [player_tooltip player_id='2915292' first='Hank' last='Dillon'] | 6'0" Guard | Senior | William Chrisman   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='1775703' first='Eli' last='Herbert'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Grain Valley</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='1775703' first='Eli' last='Herbert'] is my clear pick for Player of the Year, and it shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone who's followed Missouri high school basketball. Widely regarded as one of the premier perimeter scorers in the state, Herbert combines elite shooting mechanics with confidence and consistency that set him apart. His release is lightning-quick, and his range extends well beyond the three-point line, forcing defenses to stretch far outside their comfort zones.   What makes Herbert truly special, though, is his versatility as a shooter. He's capable of knocking down shots off the dribble, curling around screens, or relocating after a handoff -- all while maintaining balance and rhythm. He requires virtually no space to rise and fire, which makes closing out on him an almost impossible task.   As Herbert continues to develop physically and athletically, his offensive game has expanded beyond the arc. His improved explosiveness allows him to attack the rim with confidence, finishing strong above the rim or using his body control to maneuver around defenders for creative finishes. That blend of finesse and power makes him a multidimensional scoring threat.   Equally impressive is Herbert's basketball IQ. He reads defenses exceptionally well, staying composed when pressured and showing a willingness to involve his teammates when opponents send extra help his way. That unselfishness, paired with his scoring prowess, makes him the engine that drives Grain Valley's success. Expect Herbert to deliver numerous breakout performances this season as he looks to cement himself as not only the top player in the Suburban White Division but one of Missouri's elite talents overall.

As we continue our deep dive into the Greater Kansas City Suburban League, our focus now shifts to the White Division -- a group of teams that appear primed for another season of growth, competition, and fresh storylines. With several programs introducing new talent and coaching adjustments, this division carries an unmistakable sense of momentum. The balance of power feels more open than ever, and as the season unfolds, many of the league's biggest questions will begin to find their answers on the court.