Statewide Spotlight: Kansas’ Biggest Performances and Recaps

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*Photo by Scott Paske</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The early part of the week featured a full slate of teams opening their seasons, and Tuesday night offered one of the first real opportunities to evaluate what these programs bring to the table. For many schools, this was the debut of new lineups, new roles, and new identities, giving fans and observers an early glimpse at how different teams might look compared to previous years.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Beyond team performance, the evening also provided a valuable chance to assess individual growth. Several players who made an impact last season showed noticeable development — whether through improved skill sets, increased confidence, or expanded roles. For many, this first set of games served as an early indicator of just how much they've progressed over the past year and what kind of impact they might have throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Notable Results</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Mill Valley 84, Lafayette (MO) </em>27</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Mill Valley opened Tuesday night's matchup against Lafayette with a commanding performance, ultimately securing a decisive victory. Although the first quarter remained closely contested, the Jaguars quickly found their rhythm in the second period and never looked back, steadily widening the gap as the game progressed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Reece Riedel was the driving force behind Mill Valley's surge. He caught fire in both the second and third quarters, energizing the team with a series of emphatic dunks and knocking down a mix of tough mid-range jumpers and well-timed three-pointers. His offensive versatility kept Lafayette's defense off balance, and he finished as the game's leading scorer with 23 points.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2209779' first='Jakhai' last='Carter'] made his presence felt on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he generated turnovers and relentlessly pressured Lafayette's guards, disrupting their offensive flow. Offensively, he excelled at attacking the lane, using his strength and athleticism to finish through contact at the rim while also creating opportunities for his teammates.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the night's biggest surprises was AJ Davis, who delivered several highlight-worthy plays above the rim. His flashes of high-energy, two-way impact — crashing the boards, defending with purpose, and finishing plays in transition — provided a major boost for Mill Valley.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For Lafayette, JoDell Redman was the main impact player throughout the evening. He reached double figures in scoring and showed promising moments on defense, offering bright spots in an otherwise challenging game for the Irish.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Seaman 83, Piper 75</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>In what turned out to be the most stunning outcome of the evening, Seaman delivered a statement win by taking down a Piper team widely regarded as one of the deepest and most talented squads in the area. The game didn't begin smoothly for the Vikings — early offensive struggles and a few defensive lapses put them in a hole. But once the initial nerves settled, Seaman found its rhythm, and the momentum shifted largely because of one player: [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'].</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>From that point forward, Bonner completely dominated the game. Piper had no answer for him. He showcased a full offensive arsenal — scoring off strong drives to the rim, pulling up confidently from mid-range, knocking down perimeter shots, and finishing through contact. What made his performance even more impressive was his feel for the game. He read the defense beautifully, picking his spots with patience and maturity. When Piper tried to send help, Bonner consistently made the right read, finding open teammates and keeping the offense flowing.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>His off-ball movement was just as impactful. Bonner constantly cut into open space, creating scoring opportunities without needing to force the action. In isolation, he broke defenders down with a mix of speed, footwork, and creativity. Possession after possession, he demonstrated why he's considered one of the area's top offensive threats.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>By the final buzzer, Bonner had poured in a remarkable 37 points, but his scoring wasn't the sole reason for Seaman's success. Several teammates stepped up in meaningful ways. [player_tooltip player_id='2245738' first='Griffin' last='Zuniga'] provided timely buckets and steady two-way play, [player_tooltip player_id='1965355' first='Landon' last='Wiltz'] brought energy and toughness that helped stabilize the team during key stretches, and Cameron Brian made crucial contributions that kept Seaman's lead secure as the game tightened.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For the Vikings, this victory signifies much more than just a strong opening night. It answers one of the biggest questions surrounding the team over the summer: Would Bonner have enough support around him to compete against top-tier programs? Based on this performance, the answer appears to be a resounding yes. If this level of production and chemistry continues, Seaman could be poised for a standout season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Maize 69, Wichita Northwest 39</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Maize opened its season in dominant fashion, taking control of the game from the opening tip and never allowing Wichita Northwest to find a rhythm. Their energy, execution, and physicality set the tone early, establishing a level of momentum that carried throughout the night.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='3173394' first='Karson' last='Miles'] was one of the standout performers, making an impact on both ends of the floor. He delivered several crowd-energizing dunks and protected the rim with multiple blocked shots, anchoring Maize's defense and fueling their transition game. His presence alone shifted the pace and confidence of the team.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] also shined, delivering stretches where he looked like the most dynamic player on the court. He attacked the rim with authority, pushed the tempo in transition, and finished plays with a blend of power and finesse. Whether creating for himself or capitalizing on defensive breakdowns, Myovela's ability to change gears made him a constant problem for Northwest.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2245744' first='Ty' last='Willits'] contributed a strong scoring performance as well, showing signs that he's poised for a breakout season. His timely scoring bursts and efficient shooting from beyond the arc made him a reliable offensive threat whenever Maize needed a spark.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For Wichita Northwest, [player_tooltip player_id='2327576' first='Darrian' last='Hammond'] led the way offensively. Despite his efforts, he struggled to consistently find quality looks, as Maize's defense keyed in on him throughout the game and limited his opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Bonner Springs 89, Lansing 82</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>I did not expect this matchup to extend into an overtime thriller, but Lansing came fully prepared and showed they were more than capable of rising to the moment against Bonner Springs. The game had an energetic, fast-paced rhythm — possessions swung quickly from one end to the other, and both teams consistently found themselves with quality scoring opportunities. The pace alone made it clear that this wouldn't be a low-scoring grind; instead, it evolved into a highly competitive, high-tempo contest where each possession carried weight.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As anticipated, [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] was the centerpiece of Bonner Springs' offensive attack. His performance was remarkably smooth and poised. In transition, he demonstrated excellent vision, pushing the ball ahead with precision to set up teammates for early scoring chances. In the half court, he punished defenders with a series of confident perimeter jumpers — whether pulling up off the dribble or catching in rhythm — which highlighted just how polished his offensive game has become.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Gruver repeatedly attacked downhill, using his strength to absorb contact and still finish at the rim. This noticeable improvement in his physicality and assertiveness gave Bonner Springs consistent scoring throughout the night. By the final buzzer, Gruver had amassed an impressive 37 points and also crossed the 1,000-career-point milestone — a significant achievement that underscored both his consistency and long-term impact on the program.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Lansing, however, refused to back down. Prince Davynn-Donnell and Jason Jones delivered crucial contributions that kept Bonner Springs in the fight. Both players had stretches of play where they shifted momentum — whether through timely baskets, defensive stands, or high-energy plays that lifted the entire roster. Their impact became even more pronounced in overtime, where each made key plays that ultimately helped secure the win. Their ability to elevate their level of play in pressure situations was one of the defining factors of the matchup.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Maize South 72, Eisenhower </em>45</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Maize South opened its season on a strong note Tuesday night. Led by the steady play of Cy Stucky, the Mavericks seized control in the second quarter and gradually wore down Eisenhower with their depth, physicality, and balanced group of playmakers.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Stucky set the tone early, dominating the interior with his touch around the rim and his ability to create space using his size and strength. He converted a high percentage of his attempts in the paint and consistently forced Eisenhower's defense to collapse. Beyond his scoring, Stucky also displayed noticeable improvement as a passer — reading defensive rotations, anticipating help, and finding cutters for easy opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'] provided a major spark as well. He knocked down multiple deep three-pointers and ignited several scoring runs with his ability to push the tempo and create offense in transition. Paxton Scott added valuable perimeter shooting of his own and made several standout defensive plays, particularly when stopping attackers at the rim.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Maize South's depth was evident throughout the game. Cole Haynes, Mason Marcotte, Reece Pauly, Stratten Ebers, and Charlie Clinton all made meaningful contributions, giving the Mavericks a long rotation that allowed them to stay fresh and maintain their defensive intensity.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Despite the loss, Eisenhower had several bright spots. [player_tooltip player_id='2414463' first='Romari' last='Howard'] was especially impactful on both ends — scoring inside, controlling the glass, and consistently contesting shots. [player_tooltip player_id='2394335' first='Braylon' last='Brokschmidt'] showcased his shooting range by connecting on multiple deep threes, while Cooper Rohr caught attention with a series of athletic defensive plays and the ability to stretch the floor offensively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Overall, Maize South's combination of size, depth, and perimeter firepower proved too much, but Eisenhower demonstrated promising individual performances that signal potential moving forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Junction City 64, Lawrence Free State 51</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>When I first looked at this matchup earlier in the fall, I considered it a complete toss-up. Both teams were returning several impact players, and it seemed almost certain that we'd get a close, back-and-forth contest. That's part of what made the final outcome so surprising: Junction City not only won, but did so in fairly comfortable fashion.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>From the opening tip, Junction City established a defensive presence that set the tone for the entire game. They were locked in early, forcing Free State into difficult, contested attempts and creating turnovers through active hands, timely help, and aggressive on-ball pressure. Those early stops allowed Junction City to control momentum, and their offense capitalized in key stretches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2209782' first='Lovell' last='Autry'] was the driving force on both ends of the floor. Defensively, he was everywhere — jumping passing lanes, applying ball pressure, and generally disrupting Free State's rhythm. Offensively, he attacked downhill with confidence, absorbing contact and finishing efficiently around the rim. He ended the night as Junction City's leading scorer with 20 points. Brody Boeckman and Jackson Hollie also delivered strong performances, anchoring the interior. Both protected the rim effectively and found scoring opportunities through well-timed rolls and slips into open space.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>For Free State, Brendan Barrett and Bennett Nagel shouldered most of the load. Barrett put together a strong opening performance — knocking down multiple deep threes and breaking down defenders in isolation to either get to the rim or draw fouls. Nagel started slowly but eventually showed glimpses of the versatility that makes him such a promising player, stepping out to hit from beyond the arc while also using his length and touch to score over defenders in the paint.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Free State managed to trim the deficit to six in the second half, but they were never quite able to generate the consistent stops or scoring bursts needed to truly threaten Junction City. In the end, Junction City's early defensive intensity and balanced offensive contributions proved to be the difference.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->