Road to State: Inside the Biggest 4A West Sub-State Battles

The road to state tips off Wednesday across Kansas as 4A sub-state action gets underway, and there are some intriguing matchups within the West bracket. There are definitely a few clear favorites, but at first glance the field feels pretty balanced. That balance should set up some really competitive games — and maybe even a surprise or two. You just never know this time of year.   I'll break it all down with my predictions and pick the four teams I see cutting down the nets and punching their tickets out of sub-state.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Sub-State Bracket & Matchups</h3>   West Sub-State 1   (1) Pratt (19-3) vs. (16) Wellington (5-16)   (8) Clay Center (11-9) vs. (9) Mulvane (12-11)   West Sub-State 2   (4) Andale (16-5) vs. (13) Circle (7-16)   (5) Augusta (15-8) vs. (12) Winfield (9-14)   West Sub-State 3   (2) Hugoton (19-4) vs. (15) El Dorado (6-17)   (7) Buhler (13-10) vs. (10) Rose Hill (11-12)   West Sub-State 4   (3) Concordia (17-4) vs. (14) Abilene (6-15)   (6) McPherson (14-9) vs. (11) Ulysses (11-12)   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">West Sub-State Predictions & Champions</h3>   At the top of the bracket, it sets up well for Pratt to win a couple games and move on — and I fully expect them to do just that. With [player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] anchoring things, they're simply tough to match up with from a physical standpoint on both ends of the floor. His strength around the basket, combined with his athleticism in the open court, is something you just don't see very often at this level.   Caleb Strong should also be a major piece of the Pratt attack. He has the ability to stretch the floor with his perimeter shooting, and he can handle the ball well enough to create offense for himself and others. There's a real chance he ends up being the driving force offensively.   Landon Demuth might be the most underrated part of the Greenbacks' lineup. He brings good size and length on the wing, adds a slashing element that allows him to get downhill to the rim, and plays well off Morrell inside — especially when it comes to rebounding and finishing around the basket.   That said, this part of the bracket won't be a walkover. Both Clay Center and Mulvane have been competitive all season, particularly against quality programs. Whichever team advances will be capable of giving Pratt a real challenge.   Other names to know in this pod include Rylan Gurney, Grady Theurer, Angel Avalos, [player_tooltip player_id='2991034' first='Canon' last='Lazier'], and [player_tooltip player_id='2403189' first='Manny' last='Myers'].   The second portion of the bracket is where things really start to get interesting, especially with the potential of Andale and Augusta meeting in the second round. The two teams already faced off during the regular season, and Andale came away with a decisive 20-point win over the Orioles. That said, I don't expect a rematch to look the same.   While I'm still picking Andale to come out of this pod, I think a second meeting with Augusta would be much more competitive — and it wouldn't surprise me if it ends up being one of the better sub-state games overall.   Andale is led by Jack Horsch, a really complete player who can shoot it from the perimeter, attack the rim, and defend at a high level. He's the type of guy you can count on to make plays on both ends of the floor consistently. Caden Fowler gives them a reliable interior presence — someone they can throw the ball to and get a bucket — but he's also capable of stepping out and stretching the defense with his shooting. He plays much bigger than his frame suggests, especially as a defender and rebounder, and he often comes up with key plays at big moments. Samuel Kuepker and Noah Stanley round things out by providing secondary scoring and helping give the Indians that connected, team-first feel.   The scary part about Augusta is they have a lead guard in Brody Haskell who can really score and facilitate. He's capable of taking over a game and carrying the offensive load if he gets going. Brecken Albert complements him well as another perimeter scoring option, while [player_tooltip player_id='2827598' first='Brody' last='Chappell'] brings size inside. Chappell can score around the rim, rebound at a high level, and protect the paint, serving as the anchor of their defense.   More names to keep an eye on in this section of the bracket include Clay Gilbertson, Owen Hands, Evan Hutto, and [player_tooltip player_id='2883407' first='Le'Gend' last='Cyrus-Riley'].   Hugoton looks like the class of the third sub-state bracket, but there's still plenty of intrigue here. There are several players across this pod with the skill set to take over a game and swing things in their team's favor.   Hugoton has navigated a pretty demanding schedule and weren't afraid to punch up a weight class at different points during the regular season. They've got solid depth and a number of dependable role players, but it's Gavin Salazar, Cameron Rosas, and Miguel Hernandez who really set the tone.   Salazar gives them a true lead guard — someone who can break defenders down off the bounce and knock down shots with range. His quickness on the defensive end also creates opportunities in transition, where he can turn steals and pressure into easy points against scrambling defenses. Rosas brings length and activity around the rim. He can block shots, clean up the glass, and finish through contact, giving Hugoton a strong presence inside. Hernandez adds another versatile guard to the mix — a player who can space the floor, handle the ball, and be a factor in the open court.   I expect Hugoton to come out of this pod, but it won't be easy. A potential matchup with Buhler feels like it could be a battle. Buhler's balance makes them a tough out, and they're capable of adjusting their style depending on what's needed.   Luke Holmberg, Jacob Miller, Brycen McCurdy, and Asher Zachary are all productive, impactful pieces for a team that doesn't rely on just one guy. They share it, defend, and can grind games out if they have to.   Other players to keep an eye on in this bracket include William Lechtenberg, Nate Lucero, [player_tooltip player_id='2393594' first='Zander' last='Ford'], and Aidan Haugh.   The final portion of the bracket might be the most intriguing of them all. The reigning state champions in McPherson are in the mix, along with a very impressive Concordia team that's proven itself all season.   I expect this one to be competitive and likely decided in the final few possessions. In the end, though, I'm going with the upset and picking McPherson to advance to state. They've challenged themselves with their scheduling throughout the year, and when they're healthy, they have the depth to compete with just about anyone in Kansas at the 4A level. On top of that, there's real big-game experience here and a proven track record of postseason success.   [player_tooltip player_id='2477695' first='Ashton' last='Malm'] and Jett Pyle headline a strong backcourt that complements each other well. Malm is quick and decisive, especially in the open floor or attacking downhill. Pyle brings more craftiness to the table and can really stretch the defense with his ability to shoot it from three. Inside, [player_tooltip player_id='3192083' first='Eli' last='Reasoner'] provides size and length on both ends of the floor, while Cade Strathman adds a different dynamic with his size on the wing and the ability to score both inside and out.   Concordia, though, has plenty of weapons of its own. Chane Parker, Ian Loudermilk, Boone Richard, and Ayden Krier are the names that jump out right away. They give the Panthers strength and versatility across multiple positions and have shown they're comfortable playing through the post or spacing the floor with shooters around the perimeter.   And don't overlook some of the other talent in this pod. [player_tooltip player_id='2796552' first='Kolt' last='Becker'], Caden Ledesma, and Julian Meraz are also capable of making an impact when the lights are on.

The road to state tips off Wednesday across Kansas as 4A sub-state action gets underway, and there are some intriguing matchups within the West bracket. There are definitely a few clear favorites, but at first glance the field feels pretty balanced. That balance should set up some really competitive games — and maybe even a surprise or two. You just never know this time of year.