X-Factors on Top Teams

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We are still almost 3 months away from the start of the 2026-27 season but it's not too early to take a look at what could be the best season of KHSAA basketball lately. The race for the state title is truly wide open at this point and with every new transfer before October 15th, the balance of power moves a little. Here's some of the potential X-Factors on the state's top teams heading into the season. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["3593339"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c9e666bcb0"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Faye arrived in Winchester this summer and immediately gives the reigning champs some more versatility and size. Tidiane plays as a guard but the defensive end is where he is most effective. Capable of guarding all 5 positions and a solid rebounder at the guard spot, Faye will make the Cardinals even deeper this year.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2459420"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c9e666bd0e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ballard has 3 D1 talents with Mason Grivna, Baron Clay and Garrison Gilvin but Woods gives them an added dimension with his perimeter shooting. With all their star power, it's hard to imagine Qyntin won't be seeing single coverage every night in the 7th region. Woods should be able to have several nights where he gets hot and scores 20+ for the Bruins.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2479666"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c9e666bd5e"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Ferlandes Wright's return made headlines in the summer and Kamari Roberts and Michael Ray Stinnett have been starting for 3 years now but it's the 6'6" Butler who can be an absolute difference maker for Fairdale. A good rebounder and more than capable scorer, Jarel plays with a high motor and could wreak havoc in full court defense. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2381668"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c9e666bdaa"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Great Crossing added impact transfers with Bray McNear, LJ Holman and Deante Wilson this summer but Delimpo is likely to make more of an impact than fellow Juniors Wilson and McNear. Colt is a deadly shooter who excels at getting to his spot in the midrange. He should provide some ball handling help to Holman and can be a true difference maker when opponents load up to stop Brady Orem.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2884308"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c9e666bdf7"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">Garr is a player who does a little bit of everything and does it all well. He impacts winning in several ways and could be the key to a state title run for St. X after they fell in the title game in March. Braylon could and should look for his offense more than he does now and looks to provide a spark for one of the deepest rosters in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block --> <!-- wp:acf/evaluation-block {"name":"acf/evaluation-block","data":{"player_evaluations_0_player":["2360943"],"_player_evaluations_0_player":"field_62ab9d62ecf2c","player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"","_player_evaluations_0_override_profile_image":"override-player-profile-image","player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"","_player_evaluations_0_not_in_database":"field_62aba48cecf2d","player_evaluations":1,"_player_evaluations":"field_62aba7547dc44"},"mode":"preview","alignText":"left","anchor":"acf-block-6a9c9e666be42"} --> <!-- wp:paragraph {"placeholder":"Add evaluation here...","className":"text-gray-700"} --> <p class="text-gray-700">The Cardinals got a new import in Joshua Augmon but I would argue the most important thing for Taylor County is that Bryce stays healthy. A lethal shooter with deep range who also provides a lot on the defensive end, Bryce is perhaps the most overlooked player in the loaded 5th region. I think he could make the difference in Taylor County's potential as a true state title contender.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- /wp:acf/evaluation-block -->