Kansas Hoops Updates: Who’s Surging to Start the Season?

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Brent Maycock</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>In this article, I break down three early-week results and spotlight standout performances from across the state, with a particular focus on Kansas' small-school programs. These schools may not always command the biggest headlines, but they consistently produce skilled players, competitive teams, and compelling storylines that influence the broader landscape of high school basketball in Kansas.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This deeper dive looks at how several small-school teams opened their seasons — examining everything from the energy they brought on opening night to the early rotations coaches leaned on, the adjustments made on the fly, and the emergence of new contributors stepping into larger roles. I'll highlight which programs showed early promise, which players made noticeable jumps in their development, and what these first impressions might foreshadow for the months ahead.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>By identifying early trends, assessing strengths and weaknesses, and projecting growth areas, this article aims to provide a clearer sense of where these teams may be headed. Whether it's a program on the rise, a roster infused with young talent, or a team aiming to build on last season's momentum, the opening games offer meaningful clues about the direction of their seasons — and the storylines worth following as the year unfolds.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Moundridge 54, Haven </em>30</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Moundridge opened the season with an impressive showing, establishing control from the very beginning with aggressive, high-energy play on both ends of the floor. They seized momentum early against Haven and never loosened their grip. Easton Shahan had spurts where he was virtually unguardable. He consistently created advantages off the dribble, getting downhill and finishing confidently at the rim with either hand. His scoring versatility was on full display, as he complemented his driving ability with accurate perimeter shooting, forcing Haven's defense into difficult decisions all game long.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Heath Churchill made a significant impact as well, contributing on both offense and defense. Offensively, Churchill's off-ball movement stood out — his timely cuts and feel for spacing allowed him to generate high-percentage looks around the basket. Defensively, he provided physicality and awareness that helped anchor Moundridge's efforts. Layton Schmidt and [player_tooltip player_id='2623103' first='Jesse' last='Lutz'] also delivered strong offensive performances, positioning themselves as reliable secondary scoring options behind Shahan and Churchill.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On the defensive end, Moundridge was disciplined, connected, and relentless. Their activity and communication resulted in turnovers, disrupted possessions, and multiple blocked shots. The defensive tone they set was evident early, as they held Haven to just one point in the entire first quarter — a statement about their readiness and intensity. Combined with unselfish ball movement and efficient scoring stretches, Moundridge's performance was a complete and convincing way to start their season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Abilene 69, Holton 48</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although the game had stretches where the pace became sloppy, Abilene still managed to assert its strength and maintain control over Holton from start to finish. Their physicality, tempo, and consistency allowed them to dictate the flow of the matchup throughout all four quarters.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Abilene was powered by a standout performance from [player_tooltip player_id='2796552' first='Kolt' last='Becker'], who delivered a dominant 29-point, 11-rebound outing. Becker was a force around the rim, using his strength and touch to finish through contact and control the interior. What made his performance even more impressive was the versatility he showed — slashing effectively from the wing, knocking down catch-and-shoot opportunities, and adapting to whatever the defense gave him. His ability to impact the game in multiple ways made him the clear focal point of Abilene's offense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Taygen Funston complemented Becker with a composed and unselfish performance of his own. In transition, Funston displayed excellent decision-making, consistently pushing the ball with pace while delivering timely, on-target passes that set teammates up for clean looks. He scored when the opportunities presented themselves, but his value was most evident in the calm, controlled way he organized Abilene's offense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As Abilene moves deeper into the season, it will be intriguing to watch how the supporting pieces continue to develop around Becker and Funston. If the cast around them grows more confident and cohesive, Abilene has the potential to become an even more well-rounded and dangerous team.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Sterling 69, Cheney 42</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In one of the most anticipated early-season matchups, this game offered a revealing glimpse into where both teams currently stand — and what they might become. From the opening minutes, Sterling looked simply too strong, too connected, and too disciplined for Cheney to effectively match up with. Sterling's ball movement was crisp, purposeful, and consistent, allowing them to generate high-quality looks possession after possession. Defensively, they played with impressive cohesion, rotating on time, helping at the right moments, and closing gaps before Cheney could exploit them.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Zane Farney emerged as one of the most underrated players entering the season. He led Sterling with impressive poise and feel, consistently setting the table for teammates while also creating offense for himself. Whether he was getting downhill off the bounce or stretching the defense with confident perimeter shooting, Farney controlled the game at his own tempo — never rushed, never sped up, and always in command of the moment.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] delivered a performance that was both dominant and difficult for Cheney to counter. His length and strength made him a force around the rim, as he scored through defenders' chests or finished over them with ease. In transition, he elevated Sterling even further, sprinting the floor on multiple occasions to create fast-break opportunities. On the glass, he was nearly unstoppable, generating numerous second-chance points and extending possessions that chipped away at Cheney's confidence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Blake Smith also delivered a strong performance for Sterling, knocking down shots from the perimeter and providing valuable experience. He consistently did the little things that often go unnoticed — making smart rotations, keeping possessions alive, and providing steady two-way effort that helped Sterling maintain control throughout the contest.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For Cheney, [player_tooltip player_id='2815491' first='Quaid' last='Thomas'] had flashes of impact, but he — and the team as a whole — struggled to find a consistent offensive rhythm. They had difficulty protecting the paint, stopping dribble penetration, and closing out defensive possessions with rebounds. Still, there were encouraging signs: Reece Tolar and Ayden Koehn showed the ability to score and affect the game, suggesting they may emerge as key secondary options behind Thomas as the season progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While the result was decisive and highlighted Sterling's strong early form, it's clear that both teams have significant room to grow. With adjustments, experience, and improved cohesion, each squad has the potential to look markedly different by the time the season reaches its later stages.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->