Missouri Preview: Missouri River Valley Conference West Dialed In

The Missouri River Valley Conference (MRVC) once again divides into two distinct divisions, and in this preview, the spotlight falls on the West Division — a group brimming with intrigue, emerging talent, and competitive parity. This side of the conference features several programs capable of contending, each with players ready to take the next step in their development and shoulder greater responsibility. The league race is shaping up to be tightly contested, and while a few teams appear to have an early edge on paper, the coming months will reveal which rosters can sustain their momentum and which players can elevate their teams as postseason play draws closer.   In this comprehensive breakdown, we'll take an in-depth look at some of the West Division's most compelling programs — analyzing what sets each apart and how they project within the broader MRVC landscape. Each team profile will examine their defining strengths, the key challenges they must address, and the pivotal factors that could determine whether they emerge as legitimate contenders or fade into the middle of the pack.   Beyond the expected contenders, we'll also highlight a sleeper team — an under-the-radar program that might not be drawing much preseason attention but has the potential to surprise the league. This squad possesses the kind of balance, upside, and toughness that could allow them to disrupt expectations and make serious noise in the standings as the season unfolds. From established programs with proven winning cultures to youthful groups eager to make their mark, the MRVC West promises a winter filled with competitive basketball and compelling storylines.   To close the preview, I'll unveil my projected All-League Top 10 Team, spotlighting the players most likely to shape the season through their consistency, leadership, and two-way impact. Finally, I'll name my preseason Player of the Year pick in the Missouri River Valley Conference's West Division.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleeper - Warrensburg</h3>   Warrensburg enters the 2025–26 campaign with renewed optimism after enduring a challenging season last year — one filled with growing pains, inconsistency, and a roster still searching for its identity. While the Tigers struggled to generate sustained success throughout the 2024–25 season, the adversity they faced could prove to be a valuable foundation for the months ahead. With the majority of last year's roster returning, including several key contributors who gained significant varsity experience, Warrensburg appears ready to turn the corner and take a meaningful step forward.   Leading the charge will be [player_tooltip player_id='2395438' first='Nick' last='Nimmo'], who returns as the team's primary scorer, playmaker, and leader. Nimmo's ability to handle the ball and create offense -- both for himself and for his teammates -- gives Warrensburg a true go-to option. He navigates traffic with control and balance, often using his strength to absorb contact and still finish at the rim. Beyond his slashing ability, Nimmo can heat up quickly from the perimeter, showing consistent three-point range and a fast, confident release that makes him a tough cover when he's in rhythm. His combination of poise, shot-making, and competitiveness should set the tone for the rest of the Tigers' roster.   Supporting Nimmo is a trio of returning contributors — Colton Pummill, Anton Wiederhoeft, and Gus Hoppe — each of whom brings an important piece to the team's evolving identity.   Pummill, a long and mobile forward, made noticeable strides last season, earning more minutes and establishing himself as a reliable interior presence. His size allows him to protect the rim defensively, while offensively he provides a strong finishing option in the paint and an emerging touch around the basket. Wiederhoeft adds versatility on both ends of the floor, capable of attacking from the perimeter, defending multiple positions, and playing with an energy that complements Nimmo's leadership. Hoppe, meanwhile, supplies physicality and depth in the frontcourt. His strength and willingness to battle on the boards give the Tigers a much-needed interior presence that can wear down opponents over the course of a game.   Collectively, this returning core provides Warrensburg with stability, experience, and balance — three things that were in short supply last season. With Nimmo leading the offense and his teammates taking on clearly defined roles, the Tigers have the pieces to surprise opponents and move up in the MRVC West standings.   If Warrensburg can establish consistency on both ends of the floor and continue to build chemistry, a double-digit win season is well within reach — a significant improvement from a year ago and a sign that the program is trending back in the right direction.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders - Odessa, Harrisonville</h3>   Odessa once again looks poised to be a legitimate contender in the MRVC West Division, returning a well-balanced group led by standout guard [player_tooltip player_id='2350828' first='Trey' last='Sanders'], one of the most dynamic playmakers in the league. Sanders will be the engine that drives the Bulldogs this season — a confident, creative floor general with the ability to control the game's tempo and elevate the play of those around him.   A true three-level scorer, Sanders combines skill, flair, and toughness to impact the game in multiple ways. Off the dribble, he's solid — using quick changes of pace and body control to navigate defenders and attack the lane with purpose. He's not afraid of contact, often drawing fouls and converting efficiently at the free-throw line. Beyond the paint, Sanders is a dangerous perimeter threat, sporting an unconventional but highly effective shooting stroke that keeps defenders guessing. What truly sets him apart, though, is his vision and feel for the game. He has a knack for seeing plays develop before they fully materialize, threading passes through tight windows and creating scoring opportunities for his teammates. His mix of aggression, creativity, and unselfishness makes him one of the most difficult guards in the division to contain.   Supporting Sanders is a strong returning trio — Carter Kleoppel, Braden Kantern, and Tristen Janes — all of whom played meaningful minutes last season and are ready to take another step forward in production and efficiency.   Kleoppel provides steady two-way play as a rebounding guard who can stretch the floor with his outside shooting. His activity on the glass generates extra possessions, and his ability to move without the ball allows him to find open looks within the flow of the offense. Kantern brings similar shooting ability, excelling at spotting up and finding space within defensive gaps. His off-ball movement and rhythm make him a natural complement to Sanders' playmaking style. Janes, meanwhile, is the team's defensive anchor — a versatile and physical player who takes pride in doing the little things that lead to winning. He's also growing into a capable secondary ball handler, showing improved patience and vision as a pass-first guard who can relieve pressure and keep the offense organized.   The key question for Odessa this season will be whether they can establish a consistent interior presence — someone who can score and defend inside to balance their guard-heavy attack. If that piece falls into place, the Bulldogs' combination of experience, shooting, and backcourt playmaking should make them a serious threat to push the league's top programs and challenge for the division title.   The 2025–26 Harrisonville Wildcats enter the new season with the expectation of once again sitting near the top of the MRVC West Division standings. They return a strong, experienced core and a well-established culture built around toughness, chemistry, and player development — the hallmarks of a program that consistently competes at a high level.   At the center of this year's team is Jaxton Chrostowski, who steps into the role of primary leader and go-to scorer. After showing significant growth last season, Chrostowski looks ready to embrace the responsibilities that come with being the focal point of the offense. His blend of length, skill, and confidence makes him one of the more difficult matchups in the league. With the ball in his hands, he displays excellent craft and control, using hesitations and changes of pace to throw defenders off balance and attack off the dribble. He's equally comfortable pulling up from deep — particularly effective in transition, where he runs the wings, sets his feet quickly, and knocks down perimeter shots with rhythm and confidence. For Harrisonville to reach its ceiling, Chrostowski will need to hunt his shot more consistently this season, but his talent and trajectory suggest he's more than capable of taking that leap.   Joining him is his brother, Jayton Chrostowski, another long and skilled perimeter player who brings a different offensive dimension. Jayton thrives as a slasher, using his length and agility to get to the rim and finish with creativity and touch. The Chrostowski brothers not only complement each other offensively but also set the tone defensively. Both are disruptive defenders with great instincts — frequently generating turnovers, blocking shots, and turning defense into offense by igniting transition opportunities.   Another key piece in the Wildcats' rotation will be Ryan Goss, a knockdown shooter and high-effort defender who brings valuable balance to the lineup. Goss has a smooth, compact left-handed shooting stroke, and he's at his best when spacing the floor and getting set behind the arc. His ability to hit shots from deep will be crucial in opening up driving lanes for the Chrostowskis. Defensively, Goss plays with intensity, applying pressure on the ball and forcing opponents into uncomfortable situations, particularly in transition and full-court settings.   This trio forms the backbone of what could be a very dangerous Harrisonville team, one with scoring options, defensive length, and experience across the board. The key to unlocking their full potential, however, will come down to the bench and supporting cast — players who can bring energy, rebounding, and consistent production in complementary roles.   If those role players can rise to the occasion, Harrisonville has the pieces to exceed expectations and potentially challenge for the top spot in the division. With their combination of leadership, athleticism, and balance, the Wildcats' ceiling may be higher than many realize.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Champion - Center</h3>   Center enters the 2025–26 season as the clear favorite to capture the MRVC West Division title, and it's not a difficult call to make. The Yellowjackets return nearly their entire core from last year's roster — a group that gained valuable experience, chemistry, and confidence over the course of the previous campaign. With so much returning production and a roster filled with versatile talent, Center is built not only to dominate within the league but also to make a deeper postseason push.   At the forefront of that effort is sophomore forward [player_tooltip player_id='2824617' first='Israel' last='Johnigan'], a rapidly rising prospect who made a major impression as a freshman. Johnigan's game is defined by his athleticism, energy, and versatility, particularly on the interior. He attacks the glass relentlessly on both ends of the floor, creating second-chance opportunities and controlling the paint with his rebounding and finishing ability. Offensively, he scores with power and balance, frequently elevating over defenders to finish around the rim. Toward the end of last season, Johnigan began showing flashes of a developing mid- to long-range jumper, and if he can extend that to the three-point line this year, it will make him one of the toughest matchups in the league. On defense, his length and timing allow him to alter and block shots, anchoring Center's interior presence while changing the way opponents attack the basket.   Alongside Johnigan, [player_tooltip player_id='2218076' first='Ra'heym' last='Ansley'] and Ryland Russell return to give Center one of the most experienced and dynamic perimeter duos in the conference.   Ansley is a long, quick-twitch athlete who brings elite slashing ability and defensive energy. He's a legitimate three-level scorer, capable of knocking down shots from deep but at his best when attacking off the bounce. His explosive first step consistently breaks down defenses, forcing rotations and opening passing lanes for teammates. Around the rim, he finishes fluidly with either hand and has the body control to adjust midair to avoid contact. On the defensive end, Ansley uses his length and agility to apply constant pressure on ball handlers, often setting the tone with his on-ball defense and activity in the passing lanes. Russell, meanwhile, adds stability and scoring punch in the backcourt. He's comfortable both as a facilitator and shot creator, showing a developing in-between game highlighted by a smooth pull-up jumper. In the paint, he uses his strength and body control to finish effectively off two feet, making him a consistent scoring option who can absorb contact and convert tough shots.   With Johnigan anchoring the frontcourt, Ansley and Russell leading the perimeter attack, and a collection of experienced role players ready to contribute, Center boasts one of the most balanced and cohesive rosters in the league. The combination of athleticism, depth, and returning experience gives the Yellowjackets every reason to believe this is their year.   Simply put, Center enters the 2025–26 campaign as the team to beat in the MRVC West Division — and their ceiling might extend far beyond just a league title.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 10 All-Conference Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2218076' first='Ra'heym' last='Ansley'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Center   Ryland Russell | 6'0" Guard | Junior | Center   [player_tooltip player_id='2824617' first='Israel' last='Johnigan'] | 6'5" Forward | Sophomore | Center   [player_tooltip player_id='2353848' first='Phillip' last='Nadeau'] | 6'7" Forward | Senior | Oak Grove   [player_tooltip player_id='2350828' first='Trey' last='Sanders'] | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Odessa   Jaxton Chrostowski | 6'3" Guard | Junior | Harrisonville   Ryan Goss | 5'11" Guard | Junior | Harrisonville   [player_tooltip player_id='2395438' first='Nick' last='Nimmo'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Warrensburg   [player_tooltip player_id='2837022' first='Ryan' last='Lowe'] | 6'3" Forward | Junior | Clinton   Lucas VanMeter | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Pleasant Hill   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='2353848' first='Phillip' last='Nadeau'] | 6'7" Forward | Senior | Oak Grove</h3>   In what should be one of the most competitive Player of the Year races in recent memory, my preseason selection is [player_tooltip player_id='2353848' first='Phillip' last='Nadeau'] of Oak Grove. What ultimately gives Nadeau the edge over other top contenders is the sheer scope of his expected impact — Oak Grove will rely heavily on him to shoulder the offensive and defensive load, which means his usage and overall influence on games will be significantly higher than most.   Nadeau's combination of size, skill, and versatility sets him apart, particularly after a strong offseason in which he made noticeable strides in his development. He's a legitimate inside-out threat, comfortable operating both on the perimeter and in the post, which makes him extremely difficult to defend. With the ball in his hands, Nadeau handles it exceptionally well for his size, often serving as a primary initiator in Oak Grove's offense. He uses his strength and physicality to create mismatches, while also displaying the poise to read defenses and make smart decisions.   From the perimeter, Nadeau is a reliable three-point shooter, capable of stretching defenses and opening up driving lanes for himself and teammates. When working in the post, he demonstrates patience and vision — scanning the floor, recognizing help rotations, and making the right play, whether that's attacking one-on-one or finding open shooters.   Defensively, his length and timing make him a disruptive presence. Nadeau consistently alters shots around the rim, forcing opponents to adjust or settle for less efficient attempts. His ability to anchor the defense while also functioning as a primary offensive engine makes him one of the most complete players in the league.   If he continues to build on his growth from the offseason, [player_tooltip player_id='2353848' first='Phillip' last='Nadeau'] has the potential not only to lead Oak Grove to a strong year but also to solidify himself as the top individual talent in the conference.

The Missouri River Valley Conference (MRVC) once again divides into two distinct divisions, and in this preview, the spotlight falls on the West Division — a group brimming with intrigue, emerging talent, and competitive parity. This side of the conference features several programs capable of contending, each with players ready to take the next step in their development and shoulder greater responsibility. The league race is shaping up to be tightly contested, and while a few teams appear to have an early edge on paper, the coming months will reveal which rosters can sustain their momentum and which players can elevate their teams as postseason play draws closer.