The Real Winners From Kansas’ Mid-Season Tournament Week – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As mid-season tournaments wrap up across the state, I'll take a closer look at the biggest winners and the individuals who stood out with their performances. From both a team and player perspective, I'll dive into what's driving their success while also providing a snapshot of what the next few weeks could look like for these programs moving forward.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Bishop Miege</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Is there a team playing better than Bishop Miege right now? Most would argue there isn't. Sitting at 11–1, the Stags may quietly be one of the best teams in Kansas and, in many ways, the state's best-kept secret. While expectations were higher for Miege coming into the season, few could have predicted just how strong their start would be.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Stags put that growth on full display at the Ralph Miller Classic, where they handled Eisenhower in convincing fashion before knocking off one of the top teams in the state in Life Prep. Over the course of the weekend, Miege looked connected on both ends of the floor, using its defense to generate offense and attacking opponents from multiple angles with a deep, talented roster.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Much of that success starts with [player_tooltip player_id='2205719' first='Liam' last='Tesmer'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2820764' first='Keenan' last='Poulsen'], who continue to take steps forward while leading the team with the ball in their hands. Tesmer is electric in the open floor, accelerating quickly and getting downhill toward the basket almost at will. Despite his size, he plays much bigger than his frame, elevating over defenders and finishing around the rim with explosiveness. He also brings a strong basketball IQ, showing a feel for when to attack and when to involve his teammates while reading how defenses are trying to slow Miege down.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Poulsen complements Tesmer well, operating at a more deliberate pace while remaining just as effective. He picks his spots carefully, sees the floor well as a passer, and consistently looks to push the ball ahead in transition. Poulsen can put pressure on defenders with the dribble, navigate traffic in the paint, and finish creatively at the rim. When you factor in his ability to knock down shots from the perimeter, he becomes a difficult matchup and an ideal backcourt partner for Tesmer.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Where Bishop Miege has truly separated itself this season, however, is in the production it has received from the rest of the roster. Keyvonte Hudson has emerged as a major scoring threat, shooting the ball at a high level from the field — especially from beyond the arc, where he needs very little space to get his shot off. Another explosive athlete, Hudson plays bigger than his 5'10” frame, attacking the glass and finishing above defenders. He has already delivered several big offensive performances and has led the Stags in scoring in some of their most important games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jayden McDaniel and Jaylen Johnson are two other key contributors who deserve recognition. Both are physical, athletic, two-way players who bring energy and disruption. McDaniel is tough and quick defensively, jumping passing lanes, running the floor, and showing confidence as a perimeter shooter. Johnson adds explosiveness and versatility, playing above the rim offensively, rebounding well, protecting the paint, and guarding multiple positions.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This Bishop Miege group continues to trend upward, and it will be fascinating to see where they stand as March approaches. The road ahead won't be easy, with a demanding EKL schedule that includes matchups against Blue Valley, Blue Valley West, Blue Valley North, Blue Valley Northwest, and Rockhurst. How the Stags navigate that stretch will say a lot about just how high their ceiling really is.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Silver Lake</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Picked by many to have a highly successful season, Silver Lake has lived up to the expectations so far. The Eagles currently sit at 10–3, highlighted by a recent win over Burlington that truly put them to the test. Through the first half of the season, Silver Lake has shown itself to be a tough, physical team that consistently makes life difficult for opponents.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Defensively, the Eagles contest nearly everything, forcing teams to work hard for quality looks — especially when Silver Lake is able to get set in the half court. Their physicality and discipline on that end of the floor often disrupt offensive rhythm and wear opponents down over the course of a game. On offense, Silver Lake is just as intentional, doing a strong job of penetrating the defense and getting two feet in the paint, where they can use their size and strength to create high-percentage scoring opportunities.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>As expected, [player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson'] continues to assert himself as one of the top players in Kansas. His production keeps climbing, as he's averaging close to 25 points per game while also pulling down nearly eight rebounds per contest. Johnson is extremely effective around the basket, using his strength and physicality to finish through contact, and he consistently draws fouls that put opponents in difficult situations. He's also active and impactful on the defensive end, often sparking transition opportunities that lead to easy points.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While there were questions surrounding the supporting cast entering the season, those concerns have been answered with strong contributions from Camden Kruger, Grady Bergmann, and Cason Kraus. Kruger is a well-built, physical perimeter player who has shown the ability to attack off the dribble while also stretching the floor. He currently leads the team in made three-pointers and has become a reliable scoring option. Bergmann adds size and toughness in the frontcourt, rebounding at a high level alongside Johnson and doing much of his damage around the rim within the flow of the offense. Kraus provides another dependable perimeter scorer and shooter, while also standing out as a reliable positional defender and an impact player whenever his number is called.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With matchups against Rock Creek, St. Marys, and Rossville still ahead, Silver Lake will have several strong opportunities to continue building momentum as the season moves toward its final stretch.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>Olathe North</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Olathe North was about as impressive as possible this past weekend, rolling past Willard (Missouri) and Wichita West by wide margins. With just one loss on the season, the Eagles remain one of the top contenders in Class 6A, and their performance over the weekend only reinforced that status. This is a team that can take over games in a hurry, using its defensive pressure to force turnovers, push the tempo, and score in bunches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Olathe North's athleticism jumps off the page. They have multiple players who can play above the rim and ignite momentum-changing runs with highlight-reel plays. Continuing a trend seen with other teams at the top, the Eagles are deep, talented, and may have the most complete collection of overall talent in the state.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cameron Love has been a force lately, impacting games on both ends of the floor and consistently making high-level plays that swing momentum. He finishes and rebounds well above the rim, often producing game-changing moments. Defensively, his versatility has always stood out — he can pressure the ball, guard every position, rotate effectively, and elevate for blocked shots. Offensively, his game continues to evolve as he stretches the floor more, becoming a more complete scorer to complement his ability to slash in both transition and half-court settings.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Max Galindo and Sam Simmons form a unique and overwhelming backcourt for the Eagles. Both can score, facilitate, and defend at a high level. Galindo brings a quick, elusive handle and the ability to score from anywhere on the floor, whether off the dribble or in catch-and-shoot situations. He's also effective attacking off the bounce and finishes well around the rim despite his size. Simmons may be the fastest player on the floor in nearly every game he plays, accelerating past defenders — especially with the ball in his hands. He's strong in pick-and-roll situations and has a knack for elevating around the rim, hanging in the air to finish.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Simmons is also a strong, compact, and aggressive defender, frequently jumping passing lanes and blowing up actions to disrupt opposing offenses. His passing continues to improve, as he's increasingly making reads and delivering passes before plays even fully develop, showing a growing understanding of defensive rotations.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Justin and [player_tooltip player_id='2303952' first='Josiah' last='Roland'] are firmly in the mix as versatile perimeter players who defend, score, and fit seamlessly alongside the team's headliners. Both bring good size and length, using their athleticism and basketball IQ to complement the group and maintain strong chemistry.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Inside, Teke Deng completes the roster by providing size and elite length in the paint. He finishes everything around the basket, serving as a constant lob threat, and has also shown the ability to stretch the floor as a shooter. Deng appears to be playing his best basketball right now, anchoring the defense with shot blocking and controlling the glass.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Simply put, this Olathe North team is loaded — and still getting better. With major matchups against Blue Valley West, Shawnee Mission South, Lee's Summit, and Mill Valley looming in the weeks ahead, the Eagles will have chances to prove their value and positioning in the state.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->