Missouri Preview: Wide-Open Battle for GKC Gold Supremacy

The Suburban Gold League is set to showcase some of Missouri's premier basketball talent during the 2025–2026 season. Several programs enter the year with legitimate hopes of claiming the league crown, and the competition promises to be fierce from start to finish. Deep rosters, dynamic play styles, and distinct team cultures should make this one of the most exciting league races in recent memory. Fans can expect high-level matchups, electric atmospheres, and plenty of storylines as the season unfolds.   In this comprehensive preview, I'll break down a handful of teams in the Suburban Gold, spotlight a potential sleeper squad capable of shaking up the standings, and identify the top contenders for the championship. I'll also offer my early projection for which team could ultimately capture the title when the dust settles.   To wrap things up, I'll reveal my picks for the Top 10 All-League Team, honoring the players poised to make the biggest impact this season, and name my early favorite for Player of the Year.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Sleeper - Lee's Summit</h3>   As the 2025–2026 season approaches, Lee's Summit is quietly flying under the radar. While the program does lose a significant amount of production from last year, a wave of talented young players is ready to step into those vacated roles, making this a team worth watching closely.   At the forefront of this new-look roster is [player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'], a 6'9” forward coming off a standout summer that has drawn attention from schools across the country. Daugherty combines length, skill, and versatility, making him a matchup challenge on both ends of the floor. Offensively, he can stretch the defense with a smooth and efficient shooting stroke or attack off the bounce using advanced footwork, including pivots, spins, and angled drives. On the defensive end, his size and length allow him to protect the rim, alter shots, and dominate the boards, giving Lee's Summit a true two-way presence in the frontcourt.   Complementing Daugherty is [player_tooltip player_id='2402990' first='Mekhi' last='McNeil'], a dynamic guard who returns with a renewed ability to orchestrate the offense. Last season, McNeil showed flashes of scoring and playmaking, and this year he is expected to take a major step forward. His vision, ball-handling, and scoring versatility make him an ideal floor general, capable of creating opportunities for teammates while also putting pressure on opposing defenses himself.   The combination of Daugherty and McNeil gives Lee's Summit a unique balance of size, skill, and playmaking. This pairing could make them one of the most intriguing teams to follow in the Suburban Gold. While some may overlook them due to the roster turnover, their ceiling is high, and they have the potential to compete with top programs around Kansas City. Expect Lee's Summit to surprise a few teams and possibly finish closer to the top of the league than many anticipate.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Contenders - Blue Springs South, Lee's Summit North</h3>   In terms of roster depth and talent, Blue Springs South stands as Staley's closest challenger in the Suburban Gold. The Jaguars return a significant portion of their production from last season and are led by three game-changing perimeter players who could define their style of play: [player_tooltip player_id='2114716' first='Blayne' last='Marshall'], [player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'], and AC Rollins. Together, this trio gives Blue Springs South the potential to operate at a high tempo on both ends of the court, pushing defenses and forcing turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='2114716' first='Blayne' last='Marshall'] is the team's top offensive weapon. With a combination of athleticism, strength, and aggressiveness, he can attack defenses both in transition and in half-court sets. Marshall excels at getting downhill with the basketball, putting constant pressure on opponents, and generating scoring opportunities at the rim and from the free-throw line. On defense, he embodies the team's identity as a lockdown perimeter player, frequently applying full-court pressure to disrupt opponents and create turnovers.   [player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'] provides a complementary scoring threat from the perimeter. As the team's top deep-range shooter, he stretches the floor and keeps defenses honest, creating space for Marshall and the rest of the offense. Ellis also brings strong basketball IQ, capable of reading defenses, moving efficiently without the ball, and finding openings to score or distribute.   AC Rollins rounds out the trio with versatility and playmaking ability. He can handle the ball, initiate the offense, and attack off the bounce, while also serving as an unselfish passer who consistently makes the right play. Rollins is also a fierce perimeter defender, providing energy and intensity on both ends of the floor.   If Blue Springs South can secure consistent support from their frontcourt and bench, this experienced guard trio gives them the firepower to compete at the top of the league. With Marshall, Ellis, and Rollins leading the charge, the Jaguars have the talent, depth, and speed to challenge Staley and make a serious run at the Suburban Gold crown.   Lee's Summit North should be firmly in the conversation for the Suburban Gold title this season, led by the league's top player, [player_tooltip player_id='2111114' first='Tre' last='Paulding']. A rising star and committed Division I prospect at Drexel, Paulding brings one of the state's most complete two-way games to the court. His combination of size, skill, and basketball IQ creates matchup nightmares for opponents, while his ability to score from all three levels and thrive in transition makes him a constant threat. On defense, Paulding's versatility and intensity allow him to impact the game just as much as on offense, giving Lee's Summit a true cornerstone player.   The key question for the Broncos will be the level of support surrounding Paulding. Fortunately, the team returns experienced contributors in Jaycen Walker and Will Ray, both of whom should play pivotal roles. Walker is expected to run the floor with the ball in his hands more often, balancing scoring with playmaking while serving as the primary on-ball defender capable of creating turnovers and disrupting opposing backcourts. Ray, a mobile forward, provides a strong interior presence with his size and strength, contributing scoring around the basket and in the mid-range. Both Ray and Paulding offer strong rebounding ability, giving Lee's Summit two reliable players on the boards.   With the possibility of younger players stepping up around this trio, the Broncos have a roster capable of competing with anyone in the league. If Paulding continues to dominate games as expected, Lee's Summit North could be a legitimate contender for the league championship, able to challenge the top teams and make a serious run at the crown.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Champion - Staley</h3>   It's tough to pick against Staley when talking about the league championship. The program returns a loaded roster, blending talent and experience in a way that few teams in the metro can match. Beyond skill, Staley's long-standing culture of strong leadership, toughness, and competitive edge is likely to play a key role throughout the season — giving them the edge in close games and high-pressure situations.   One of the standout players leading this roster is [player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'], arguably one of the most athletic perimeter players in the state. His speed, explosiveness, and versatility make him a matchup nightmare on both ends of the floor. In transition, Stone thrives, pushing the pace, attacking the rim, and finishing with highlight-reel dunks. In half-court sets, he excels as a slasher, using a lightning-quick first step to blow by defenders, while also showing the ability to hit catch-and-shoot jumpers when defenses collapse.   Defensively, Stone brings relentless intensity. He can guard multiple positions, create turnovers, and consistently disrupt passing lanes. Beyond perimeter defense, he is an elite rebounder on both ends, crashing the glass with a motor that few can match. His two-way presence sets the tone for Staley's identity as a team that pressures opponents and controls the pace.   But Stone is far from the only weapon in Staley's arsenal. The team boasts significant depth with returning contributors [player_tooltip player_id='2334945' first='Tra' last='Moore'], Kobe Hicks, [player_tooltip player_id='3034900' first='Aiydan' last='Byrd'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2334971' first='Jackson' last='Smith']. Moore will likely serve as the floor general, orchestrating the offense with explosiveness and vision, while Hicks and Byrd provide versatile two-way guard play capable of scoring, defending, and facilitating. Smith anchors the interior, offering rebounding, rim protection, and skillful scoring in the paint, along with setting screens and providing a physical presence around the basket.   With this blend of star power, depth, and experience, Staley looks poised to be the team to beat in the Suburban Gold. Their balance of perimeter and interior threats, combined with a proven culture of winning, makes them my pick for the league title — though the race promises to be competitive, and a few other contenders could push them to the limit.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Top 10 All-Conference Team</h3>   [player_tooltip player_id='2111114' first='Tre' last='Paulding'] | 6'5" Wing | Senior | Lee's Summit North   [player_tooltip player_id='2114716' first='Blayne' last='Marshall'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South   [player_tooltip player_id='2719664' first='Brendan' last='Perry'] | 6'3" Wing | Senior | Ray-Pec   [player_tooltip player_id='1850446' first='Chris' last='Ellis'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South   AC Rollins | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Blue Springs South   [player_tooltip player_id='2114720' first='Kenison' last='Stone'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Staley   [player_tooltip player_id='2334945' first='Tra' last='Moore'] | 5'11" Guard | Junior | Staley   Kobe Hicks | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Staley   [player_tooltip player_id='2534722' first='Keller' last='Daugherty'] | 6'9" Forward | Junior | Lee's Summit   [player_tooltip player_id='1910830' first='Phoenix' last='Johnson'] | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Lee's Summit West*   [player_tooltip player_id='2334971' first='Jackson' last='Smith'] | 6'4" Forward | Junior | Staley*   *tied   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Player of the Year - [player_tooltip player_id='2111114' first='Tre' last='Paulding'] | 6'5" Wing | Senior | Lee's Summit North</h3>   When it comes to the 2025–2026 season, one name stands out above the rest — [player_tooltip player_id='2111114' first='Tre' last='Paulding']. The versatile Lee's Summit North star is my definitive pick for Player of the Year. What separates Paulding from the pack isn't just his athleticism or scoring ability, but the complete package — size, skill, feel for the game, and competitive edge. He's the type of player who can take over a game in multiple ways, and his combination of physical tools and basketball IQ makes him nearly impossible to contain.   At 6'5” with a strong, fluid frame, Paulding brings the physical profile of a college-ready wing. He uses his length and athleticism to attack defenders, finishing above the rim with power and finesse. In transition, he's dynamic — able to grab a rebound, push the ball himself, and either create for teammates or explode to the basket. Within the half-court, he's equally comfortable operating off the dribble or working from the mid-post, where he can bully smaller guards or stretch out big defenders with his quick first step.   Paulding's offensive versatility is what makes him such a nightmare to scout. He can initiate offense as a point-forward, create space for his own shot off the bounce, and read defenses well enough to make the extra pass when traps or doubles come. His footwork and body control allow him to finish through contact, and his decision-making continues to improve — signs of a player who not only scores efficiently but elevates those around him.   One of the biggest developments in his game over the past year has been the continued growth of his perimeter shooting. With a smoother release and growing confidence from deep, Paulding has become a true three-level scorer — able to hurt defenses from beyond the arc, in the midrange, and at the rim. When that shot is falling, there's virtually no weakness in his offensive game.   Defensively, Paulding's effort and instincts stand out just as much as his scoring. He's strong enough to guard multiple positions, uses his wingspan to disrupt passing lanes, and has the timing to challenge shots without fouling. That two-way capability is part of what makes him so valuable — he's not just putting up numbers, he's dictating the game on both ends of the floor.   Facing a loaded GKC Suburban Gold schedule, Paulding will have no shortage of high-level opponents, but that only strengthens his case as the league's top player. His ability to impact winning — not just with stats, but with presence — gives Lee's Summit North a legitimate chance to contend for the conference crown and make a deep postseason run.

The Suburban Gold League is set to showcase some of Missouri's premier basketball talent during the 2025–2026 season. Several programs enter the year with legitimate hopes of claiming the league crown, and the competition promises to be fierce from start to finish. Deep rosters, dynamic play styles, and distinct team cultures should make this one of the most exciting league races in recent memory. Fans can expect high-level matchups, electric atmospheres, and plenty of storylines as the season unfolds.