5A West Sub-State Bracket — Who Can Survive and Advance?

When you look at all the sub-state brackets across the different classifications, you could easily make the case that this one is the most competitive of them all. The top teams are strong and have been dominant all season, but even the middle-of-the-pack teams are more than capable of winning a game or two and putting real pressure on those favorites. That's what should make this bracket so fun to watch — there's legitimate depth, and it sets up the potential for some really good games featuring some high-level players.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Sub-State Bracket & Matchups</h3>   West Sub-State 1   (1) Kapaun Mt. Carmel (23-0) vs. (16) Arkansas City (6-16)   (8) Salina South (15-8) vs. (9) Salina Central (15-8)   West Sub-State 2   (2) Topeka West (20-3) vs. (15) Hutchinson (7-15)   (7) Bishop Carroll (15-7) vs. (10) Andover (14-9)   West Sub-State 3   (3) Maize South (19-4) vs. (14) Andover Central (10-13)   (6) Emporia (16-7) vs. (11) Great Bend (13-9)   West Sub-State 4   (4) Seaman (19-4) vs. (13) Valley Center (10-13)   (5) Hays (18-4) vs. (12) Eisenhower (10-12)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Sub-State Predictions & Champions</h3>   Kapaun is the top seed in the West, and it comes as no surprise. The defending state champions haven't lost a game all season. In fact, they really haven't even been tested — only one or two games on their schedule have been relatively close.   Their continued success is the result of more than just good players. It's a credit to the culture and system they have in place. They're fundamentally sound on both ends of the floor and play with a level of connectedness that really stands out. They might be deeper than any other team in the state, with the ability to rotate a number of guys without much drop-off. Their roster features a deep cast of perimeter players along with versatile wings and forwards who can impact the game in multiple ways.   Blaise Dalian and [player_tooltip player_id='2211346' first='Rocco' last='Keller'] are experienced wing-forwards with the size and skill to play both inside and out. They guide the attack offensively — comfortable with their backs to the basket, attacking off the bounce, or stepping out to catch and shoot. Jude Porter is another experienced guard who can handle the ball and run the offense, while freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2715470' first='Braylon' last='Jones'] has taken a big step forward this season and continues to grow into his role. The team's depth really shows with the other players who log consistent minutes and seamlessly fit into whatever is needed on a given night.   They should be able to handle the first two games in relatively convincing fashion while keeping their focus on another run at a state title. That said, Salina South could present the biggest challenge in the bracket. They're a senior-heavy group led by Gavin Devoe, Sawyer Walker, and Easton Wilcox. All three help drive a balanced attack and have the ability to adjust to different styles of play, which makes them dangerous in a postseason setting.   Other players to keep an eye on in this bracket include [player_tooltip player_id='2205714' first='Jaxson' last='Jackson'], [player_tooltip player_id='2420935' first='Kaeden' last='Nienke'], and Greyson Jones.   The second pod should be interesting, with three teams that all have a legitimate chance to come out of it and advance to state. While Topeka West is the favorite, both Andover and Bishop Carroll have shown flashes of really strong play this season and have the personnel to compete.   Andover is a balanced group that has played well in stretches against other top programs, though they were a bit inconsistent down the stretch of the regular season. They've got good size on the wing and up front with [player_tooltip player_id='2635662' first='Walker' last='McClellan'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2927405' first='Drew' last='Hutchinson'], and that pairs nicely with [player_tooltip player_id='3243292' first='Griffin' last='Hand'] and a solid group of guards. The pieces are there — the big question is whether they can sustain a high level of play for long stretches when it matters most.   Bishop Carroll is led by one of the better players in Wichita in [player_tooltip player_id='2623088' first='Brody' last='Kreutzer']. He can heat up in a hurry and really shoot it from deep, and his size creates matchup problems. He's able to put the ball on the floor, attack off the dribble, and finish over smaller defenders. When he gets going, he can change a game quickly.   That said, I believe Topeka West will ultimately take the bracket. They're simply too big, too talented, and too deep at almost every position. Their wings, [player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul'] and Malakyah Duncan, are long, athletic, and smooth on both ends of the floor — giving them scoring punch along with strong defensive versatility. Prince Lassiter adds size and strength inside, finishing with power around the rim and consistently carving out deep post position. Then you add guards Gad Munganga and Jay'Veon Traylor, and you really see the depth. They can hurt you in multiple ways, and on any given night, someone different can be the hot hand.   The third bracket will most likely come down to Emporia and Maize South, with the Mavericks getting the slight nod because of their standouts, Cy Stucky and [player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'].   Stucky's size and mobility are going to be tough for anyone in this bracket to handle. He's comfortable playing with his back to the basket, but he's just as effective setting screens and rolling hard to the rim. He rebounds at a high rate and consistently plays through contact, which gives Maize South a physical presence inside that few teams can match.   Batiste should lead the attack on the perimeter. He'll have the ball in his hands a lot, and his ability to both facilitate and score makes him a nonstop threat. He's capable of controlling the tempo while also creating his own offense when needed. Around those two, Maize South has an experienced group of role players who understand what's asked of them and provide quality depth. That balance makes them dangerous because they don't have to rely on just one option.   Don't expect Emporia to back down, though. They'll compete on both ends of the floor. With two impactful guards in Rylan Crowell and [player_tooltip player_id='2205713' first='Harrison' last='Trelc'] — who play well off each other — they have a strong backcourt foundation. Terrick Franklin adds size on the interior and helps anchor things inside.   There's also plenty of other talent in this bracket. Keep an eye on [player_tooltip player_id='2403177' first='Jacob' last='Hall'], Daxton Minton, [player_tooltip player_id='2949373' first='Carter' last='Inslee'], and CJ Allen as players who could make a difference as things unfold.   Finally, what a matchup it would be if we get to see Seaman and Hays with a trip to state on the line. With contrasting styles and very different roster makeups, it has all the ingredients to be a highly competitive game. I do think it happens, and if it does, I'd give a slight edge to Seaman in what would likely be an extremely tight contest.   Hays presents some real matchup problems, especially with its size in the frontcourt. [player_tooltip player_id='2211342' first='Dawson' last='Ruder'] and Izaac Fox are both tough, physical players who rebound at a high level. Ruder operates more as a traditional big but has the ability to step out and stretch the floor when needed. Fox is more active in transition and can be a relentless rim attacker, constantly putting pressure on the defense. [player_tooltip player_id='2403201' first='Trey' last='Oakley'] is another guard to keep an eye on, giving Hays an additional scoring threat in the backcourt.   Of course, Seaman counters with [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] — arguably one of the best players in the state — who can impact the game in just about every way with the ball in his hands. Whether it's scoring, facilitating, or taking over late, he's capable of doing it all. [player_tooltip player_id='2245738' first='Griffin' last='Zuniga'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1965355' first='Landon' last='Wiltz'] provide strong secondary scoring and perimeter shooting, while also offering a different look when they're asked to create offense.   The bracket is also home to several other rising names, including [player_tooltip player_id='2414463' first='Romari' last='Howard'], Ray J Logan, [player_tooltip player_id='2781151' first='Evan' last='Chavez'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2948674' first='Nash' last='Jamolod']. Players in roles like theirs often end up swinging games like this, especially in tight postseason matchups. If this showdown materializes, it should be one well worth watching.

When you look at all the sub-state brackets across the different classifications, you could easily make the case that this one is the most competitive of them all. The top teams are strong and have been dominant all season, but even the middle-of-the-pack teams are more than capable of winning a game or two and putting real pressure on those favorites. That's what should make this bracket so fun to watch — there's legitimate depth, and it sets up the potential for some really good games featuring some high-level players.