Kansas Check-In: Early Trends and Key Teams Across the State

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by TopSports.news</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Across Kansas, a number of programs have gotten off to strong starts this season, setting the stage for an exciting second half. The depth and talent across the state promise compelling matchups and storylines worth following as the season unfolds. In this article, I'll break down five teams that have stood out early, highlighting the reasons behind their success and what makes them particularly intriguing. I'll also spotlight some must-see upcoming matchups that could shape the standings and impact the race toward postseason play.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Teams</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Topeka West</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Entering the new year undefeated, Topeka West has clearly established itself as a legitimate state championship contender. The Chargers possess an impressive combination of size, athleticism, and skill, allowing them to compete with virtually any team across the state. Their early-season résumé backs that up, as they have already secured statement wins over Seaman, Piper, and Shawnee Heights. The next challenge will be sustaining that level of play and continuing to meet the standard they have set for themselves as the competition intensifies.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Topeka West is led by a senior-heavy core that brings both experience and physicality. [player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul'] and Malakyah Duncan provide length and consistent impact on both ends of the floor, while Prince Lassiter anchors the interior with a dominant presence capable of taking over games in key moments. From the guard spot, Jay'Veon Traylor and Gad Munganga round out the lineup as crucial contributors, giving the Chargers balance, depth, and reliability as they push toward the heart of the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Seaman</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Vikings are off to a strong start to the season, highlighted by an impressive win over Piper. Seaman has also answered many of the questions surrounding the program early on, establishing itself as a legitimate contender. While [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner']'s impact was well known entering the year, it has been the emergence of the supporting cast that has truly elevated the Vikings. [player_tooltip player_id='2245738' first='Griffin' last='Zuniga'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1965355' first='Landon' last='Wiltz'] have both developed into key contributors, providing consistent two-way production that allows Bonner to play off the ball at times and makes Seaman a much more difficult team to game plan against and defend.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bonner's physical development and dominance on the floor have solidified his status as one of the most imposing players in the state. When paired with the continued growth and usage of Zuniga and Wiltz, Seaman's overall balance and versatility become evident. If this trio continues to build chemistry and production, the Vikings appear poised to make significant noise as the season moves into the new year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Olpe</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Off to a perfect 7–0 start, Olpe has been steady and impressive to open the season, highlighted by a dominant win over a very talented Rossville squad. Their success has been built largely on their ability to stay connected defensively and mix in different looks, which has led to turnovers, disrupted offensive rhythm, and frequent transition opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2488757' first='Brecken' last='McGuire'] has led the way, showcasing a versatile scoring arsenal that allows him to attack the rim and stretch the floor from beyond the arc. He also sets the tone defensively with strong instincts and consistent effort on that end of the floor. Ryker Windle has emerged as a dangerous perimeter shooter, while Ko'Rel Robinson has been a major factor with his two-way impact, using his athleticism to leave his imprint on games in multiple ways. Combined with a roster filled with dependable role players and bench contributors, it's easy to see why Olpe has enjoyed such a strong start — and why this season has the makings of a banner year for the program.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Manhattan</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Coming off a difficult 2024–25 season, Manhattan's resurgence this year is well deserved and speaks to the growth of the program. After opening the season with a loss to Life Prep, the Indians have not dropped a game since, showing improved consistency, confidence, and execution on both ends of the floor. That early setback appears to have served as a turning point, as Manhattan has responded with a focused, disciplined approach that has allowed them to control games and finish strong. Their ability to make adjustments and maintain composure has been a major difference from last season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will Carpenter has been the driving force behind the Indians' success, delivering several standout scoring performances and consistently stepping up in key moments to close games. Supporting him is a reliable core in Henry Witt, Sawyer Newton, and Vince Doering, all of whom have contributed production and stability throughout the lineup. This is an experienced group that has endured adversity together, and that experience is beginning to pay dividends. As the season progresses, Manhattan's ability to continue evolving while leaning on its veteran presence should make them especially dangerous in tight, high-pressure games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Emporia</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another strong squad, Emporia, has battled its way to a perfect 7–0 start as the calendar turns to January. The Spartans have been tested early, winning several tough, one-possession games that required poise, execution, and resilience late. Those close contests have highlighted Emporia's mental toughness and ability to respond under pressure. This is a team with strong balance, as multiple players understand their roles and consistently embrace the opportunities presented to them, allowing the Spartans to remain steady regardless of game flow.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>That said, Emporia's ceiling is driven by the play of Rylan Crowell and [player_tooltip player_id='2205713' first='Harrison' last='Trelc']. Both are true impact players capable of changing games on both ends of the floor. Crowell is a strong, well-built perimeter player who can score inside and out, while his athleticism allows him to defend multiple positions and make plays all over the court. Trelc serves as the composed and poised floor general, showcasing a growing skill set and strong decision-making that perfectly complements Crowell's versatility. This success is no fluke, and if Emporia continues to build momentum, the Spartans have the potential to make a deep postseason run this spring, possibly even reaching the Final Four if everything falls into place.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Matchups to See</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Seaman at Topeka West - January 13th, 7:15 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Olpe at Hartford - January 13th, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Manhattan at Hays - January 6th, 7:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Emporia vs. Washburn Rural - January 16th, 7:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->