Mid-Season Tournament Preview: Dodge City Tournament of Champions

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>United Wireless Arena in Dodge City will once again play host to a mid-season tournament featuring a number of strong teams from across the state. This event should provide a clear snapshot of where each team stands as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season and work toward playing their best basketball. With several intriguing matchups on the schedule and a group of players building real momentum, this tournament has all the ingredients to be highly competitive. Below, I'll dive into a preview of the opening-round matchups, make my picks for the runner-up and champion, and break down the top ten all-tournament team candidates who I believe will create significant buzz in Dodge City.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Opening Round Matchups</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Wichita East vs. Andover - Thursday, January 22nd, 2:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Shawnee Mission South vs. Newton - Thursday, January 22nd, 3:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Dodge City vs. Maize - Thursday, January 22nd, 7:00 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Manhattan vs. Olathe East - Thursday, January 22nd, 8:30 PM</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>All-Tournament Team</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] | 6'6" Forward | Junior | Shawnee Mission South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>An athletic forward, he is highly active on both ends of the floor and excels in transition. Using his size and athleticism, he can dominate play, consistently finishing above the rim and breaking down a variety of defensive looks with smart decision-making and the ability to operate effectively from multiple areas of the floor. He scores in many ways — attacking the basket, finishing through traffic, and taking advantage of open-floor opportunities created by the Raiders' defensive pressure. Beyond scoring, he is a strong rebounder who consistently impacts the game on the glass. He also excels as a passer, showing strong court vision and the ability to read defenses and make the right play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ben Allen | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Shawnee Mission South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Allen, Shawnee Mission South's top shooter, is putting together a strong senior season. He is effective both with the ball in his hands and playing off the ball, consistently finding space as a shooter while showcasing deep range. His ability to flow quickly into his shot allows him to have success against a variety of defensive coverages, even in tight, contested situations. He can heat up quickly as a scorer and provides a steady offensive presence for the Raiders. Beyond scoring, he is a smart facilitator who operates well as a creator, showing a strong understanding of defensive coverages and rotations and consistently finding teammates in scoring positions.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Shawnee Mission South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Serving as the anchor for the Raiders, DeBaun is a strong, versatile forward who can impact the game both inside and out. He uses his body well to create space on the interior, consistently controls the glass, and frequently protects the painted area on the defensive end. Thanks to his athleticism, he is capable of switching onto multiple types of players defensively while maintaining an active and aggressive approach. Offensively, he scores effectively around the basket, playing through contact with physicality and consistently getting to the free-throw line. He is a crucial piece for Shawnee Mission South's success.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Maize</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A physical and athletic guard, Myovela frequently operates with the ball in his hands, showing a strong balance between letting the game come to him and being aggressive when the situation calls for it. He breaks down defenders with a quick first step and an elusive dribble that allows him to consistently penetrate the paint. His ability to pull up abruptly off the bounce, as well as knock down shots from long range, makes him especially difficult to defend. On the defensive end, he is active and disruptive, often turning stops into transition opportunities where he puts constant pressure on opposing defenders and can elevate to finish at the rim in open space.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='3173394' first='Karson' last='Miles'] | 6'7" Forward | Junior | Maize</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A long and rangy forward who continues to gain confidence and experience, Miles protects the rim effectively by blocking and altering shots while also using his length to play passing lanes and create deflections. Offensively, he is a threat to score over the top of defenders around the basket and serves as a constant lob threat for the Eagles. His mobility and athleticism allow Maize to be versatile on the defensive end, using his presence to disrupt opposing offenses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2635662' first='Walker' last='McClellan'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Andover</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>McClellan is an active wing who can handle the ball when needed and shoot efficiently from behind the arc. As Andover's top scorer, he is also effective with his back to the basket, using his size to score over smaller defenders. He uses his body well to initiate contact and create space, particularly in the mid-range and around the interior. McClellan can attack off the wing and is effective in ball-screen actions as a screener, where he can roll to the rim or pop into space to stretch the floor. He also rebounds the ball well, often creating extra scoring opportunities for himself around the basket.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='3243292' first='Griffin' last='Hand'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Andover</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A tough, hard-nosed guard, Hand is a constant-impact player whose two-way play consistently stands out. He applies strong ball pressure and frequently creates steals and disruption against opposing guards. Crafty as a ball handler, he uses changes of pace and his body to create advantages, consistently making the right play. As a scorer, Hand can knock down shots from the perimeter while also seeking out contact as a driver, using subtle bumps to score around the rim and in the mid-range. He is a key piece of Andover's success, consistently doing the little things that are necessary to compete and win games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2328074' first='Hudson' last='Weikal'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Olathe East</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A highly effective mid-range scorer, he consistently finds his spots, especially when operating out of ball screens. He plays at his own pace and rarely gets sped up, even against pressure or more athletic defenders. Using his length, he finishes well around the basket, often off two feet and occasionally showing flashes of playing above the rim. An unselfish player, he consistently looks for teammates and demonstrates a great feel for when scoring opportunities may arise. He has also shown the ability to rebound from the guard spot and contribute on the interior, playing with effort, awareness, and solid instincts.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2692700' first='Cade' last='Alholm'] | 6'5" Wing | Junior | Olathe East</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A unique athlete with size and strength, Alholm is often one of the most explosive players on the floor, regularly finishing above the rim and converting dunks in transition. His offensive game has developed significantly, particularly as a ball handler and slasher. He looks to push the pace, using the dribble to attack the rim in transition. In the half court, he is aggressive off the wing, attacking downhill, finding space to elevate, and finishing through contact as a strong, physical scorer. He has also shown the ability to play with his back to the basket against smaller defenders, turning over either shoulder to rise above defenders for scoring opportunities. Defensively, his length and athleticism allow him to guard multiple positions effectively and protect the rim with shot-blocking presence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Will Carpenter | 6'0" Guard | Senior | Manhattan</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A very steady and experienced player, Carpenter impacts the game all over the floor on both ends. Offensively, he can create with the ball in his hands or knock down shots from deep, showing the confidence to pull up whenever the situation calls for it. He also has a knack for hitting big-time shots in close contests, making him a true clutch performer. Around the basket, he uses his strength and frame to finish through bigger defenders with touch and control. Defensively, he generates numerous steals, allowing him to push the pace in transition and create scoring opportunities as a finisher.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Runner-Up</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Maize</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Maize is a deep, well-balanced team with good size at nearly every position. As an older group, they bring valuable experience, particularly in the backcourt, which should serve them well. Leading the way is [player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'], a true do-it-all guard whose size and athleticism allow him to impact the game in a variety of ways, especially on the offensive end. He plays with patience and lets the game come to him, but when he's aggressive, he can really score — using his explosiveness to get to the rim, slice through defenses, and knock down shots from the perimeter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Alongside Myovela, [player_tooltip player_id='3173394' first='Karson' last='Miles'] has been a steady presence for the Eagles, providing length and physicality on the interior at both ends of the floor. He protects the rim with his shot-blocking ability and finishes with soft touch around the basket. In the backcourt, [player_tooltip player_id='2245744' first='Ty' last='Willits'] is another productive guard who complements Myovela well, adding a combination of shooting, toughness, and reliability that gives Maize an added dimension offensively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Champion</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Shawnee Mission South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The undefeated Raiders boast the deepest and most complete roster in Dodge City, with talent and cohesion evident from top to bottom. Led by three highly productive and experienced players, this group is connected on both ends of the floor and consistently plays with purpose and chemistry.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Ben Allen sets the tone as the primary ball handler, using his size at the guard position to his advantage. He operates under control, with a great feel for the game, balancing smart decision-making with the ability to stretch the floor as a shooter and attack defenders off the dribble.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] provide a dynamic combination of size, athleticism, and versatility, impacting the game both inside and out. Their mobility and physicality make them tough matchups, and both have the ability to take over games when needed. On defense, they serve as anchors for the Raiders, using their instincts and toughness to guard multiple positions and protect the rim.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Max McKenna is also a crucial contributor, providing length and athleticism on both ends while complementing the main trio seamlessly. What truly separates this team is its versatility — the Raiders can adjust to nearly any style of play, making them exceptionally difficult to prepare for and even harder to beat.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->