New Year, New Threats: Teams Gaining Traction Throughout Kansas

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Hays High School</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This installment takes a closer look at additional teams across the state that built significant momentum throughout December and are aiming to carry that success into the new year. I'll take a look at what has helped drive these specific teams, including key players, styles of play, and overall production. Additionally, I'll highlight potential marquee matchups for each team after the new year — games that could define their seasons and test whether their late-December momentum can be continued.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Notable Teams</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Sterling</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As expected, Sterling has opened the season undefeated at 7–0 and has dominated its schedule to this point. The Black Bears own impressive wins over Cheney and Great Bend, games that showcased just how deep and productive this roster truly is. With scoring and contributions coming from multiple positions, opposing teams have struggled to defend Sterling as a complete unit, often unable to key in on any single option.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>At the center of that success is a powerful nucleus featuring [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'], Blake Smith, and Zane Farney, a trio that continues to drive an overwhelming program that appears destined for another state title run. Their balance, experience, and ability to control games on both ends of the floor make Sterling a matchup nightmare. With several intriguing matchups awaiting them later in the schedule, those contests should bring out the Black Bears at their best as they prepare for the intensity of the state tournament.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hesston</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hesston has undoubtedly challenged itself early in the season by taking on several tough opponents from larger classifications. That approach has paid off so far, as the Swathers currently sit at 6–1 with quality wins over Eudora and Silver Lake. Their lone loss came against a strong Hays team, another program building momentum this season, and even that result provided valuable experience against high-level competition.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='3091354' first='Drew' last='Bartell'] has added an important new dimension to his game, showing the ability to score inside while also stretching the floor with consistent outside shooting. Ty Unruh and Gavin Larson have anchored the perimeter with strong, confident play, giving Hesston multiple scoring threats and reliable ball handling. Once again, this group looks well connected and plays unselfishly for one another, traits that have defined their success in recent seasons. If that chemistry continues to grow, Hesston appears poised for another exciting run, with the potential to once again be competing for a state championship come March.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hays</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Hays, as mentioned earlier, is another team worth closely monitoring given its strong start to the season. The Indians suffered a tough loss to Life Prep early on but responded with an impressive win over Hesston in a physical, back-and-forth contest that tested both teams. Heading into the new year with a 6–2 record, Hays has shown the ability to compete in rugged games while maintaining composure and execution when it matters most.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A major reason for that success is [player_tooltip player_id='2211342' first='Dawson' last='Ruder'], one of the true big men in the state. Ruder brings an old-school style of play and has delivered several standout performances by controlling the paint on both ends of the floor. His combination of size, strength, and footwork makes him extremely difficult to match up with. Complementing Ruder are [player_tooltip player_id='2403201' first='Trey' last='Oakley'] and Izaac Fox, both of whom have made meaningful impacts this season and add depth, versatility, and energy to the lineup. Together, that balance gives Hays the tools to remain a dangerous opponent as the season progresses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ell-Saline</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ell-Saline has looked explosive to open the season, showcasing one of the most impressive offenses in the state. The Cardinals sit at 5–0 and appear well positioned to continue building momentum as play resumes in January. Their fast-paced, aggressive style consistently puts pressure on opponents, and their ability to score in a variety of ways has made them difficult to slow down.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leading the way is a balanced three-pronged attack featuring [player_tooltip player_id='2879563' first='Trey' last='Williams'], Reese Krone, and Kas Kramer. That trio sets the tone for how Ell-Saline wants to play, attacking defenses from multiple areas of the floor and forcing tough matchup decisions. Their ability to score both inside and out, combined with solid size across the lineup, creates constant challenges for opposing defenses. If the Cardinals continue to refine their execution, they have the potential to be a problem for teams throughout the remainder of the season and into the postseason.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Holcomb</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Holcomb is another team entering the holiday break with an unblemished 7–0 record, having shown the ability to win in a variety of ways. Their résumé includes a mix of convincing blowout victories and hard-fought, close-possession games that they have managed to close out. That balance has allowed the Longhorns to build confidence while also staying grounded, as those tighter contests continue to emphasize the importance of execution and attention to detail.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensive pressure and strong team chemistry have been standout traits for Holcomb, often fueling their ability to get out in transition and play at an accelerated pace. The Longhorns are a deep, well-rounded squad with numerous players capable of impacting games on any given night. Brody Deniston, Ayden Brown, Brady Sullivan, and Korbin Johnson headline a particularly strong perimeter group that plays unselfishly and consistently stretches the floor with their shooting. If Holcomb continues to impose its will on both ends of the floor, that depth and versatility should serve them well as the season progresses, positioning them as a serious contender with a potential Final Four run this spring.</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>Sterling vs. Moundridge - January 9th, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ell-Saline at Sterling - February 20th, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hesston vs. Cheney - January 6th, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hesston vs. Pratt - February 10th, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hays vs. Manhattan - January 6th, 7:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Hays vs. Emporia - January 9th, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ell-Saline vs. Moundridge - February 10th, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Holcomb vs. Garden City - January 3rd, TBA</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Holcomb vs. Goodland - January 6th, 7:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->