Returners, Contenders and Unknowns Among Teams to Watch in 4A

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Who are the “returners,” “contenders” and “unknowns” among the teams in the 4A class? Let's take a look:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Returners:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McPherson</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McPherson does lose two key players from last year's state runner up. But the cupboard is so full with this perennial power. They know how to develop fundamental, smart players in McPherson, and next season will be full of them. [player_tooltip player_id='1436793' first='Kyden' last='Thompson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1461339' first='Cory' last='Muehler'] make up one of the best backcourts anywhere. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1556702' first='Owen' last='Pyle']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2321572' first='Gabe' last='Pyle']</strong> will stretch defenses with their brilliant shooting. The Bullpups will build around that core.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atchison</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Atchison is doing a lot of winning these days. Football had a great run, and now the basketball team will make another push for the state tournament. Guys like [player_tooltip player_id='1953940' first='Xiomar' last='Hernandez'], [player_tooltip player_id='1756359' first='Trey' last='Carter'] and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2314773' first='Jeter' last='Purdy']</strong> got great experience as juniors and will be hungry. Junior <strong>Jace Richards</strong> and sophomore <strong>Yogi Purdy</strong> may be ready to really take off.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Contenders:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hugoton</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The Eagles lost two of the best guards in the state, regardless of class. So how can they expect to contend for another state title? Well, there's a bunch of talent back from last year's champs, beginning with point guard [player_tooltip player_id='1300809' first='Dasean' last='Lewis'] (pictured). [player_tooltip player_id='1378448' first='Emmett' last='Gaskill'] is a versatile warrior. There is lots of size in <strong>Isaac Martin</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2387756' first='Izeyah' last='Harris']</strong>. Can anyone step up to make plays like <strong>Ryle Riddlesperger </strong>and <strong>Carson Bennett</strong> did? We'll see.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chanute</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Chanute returns two athletic studs in [player_tooltip player_id='2147758' first='Kaiden' last='Seamster'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2147802' first='Larsen' last='Koester'], guys who have a ton of experience and will be tough to match physically. The Blue Comets went 14-7 while having to play a lot of young players last year, so there will be experience to build on.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Unknowns:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bishop Miege</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>No one will feel sorry for the Stags if they have to rebuild their roster. This team always reloads with young talent. But there will be a ton of question marks as they start this season. Guys who got good experience last year include guards <strong>Naeem Coppage</strong> and <strong>Justyce Betts</strong>.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Labette County</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From their 10-12 season last year, Labette County returns two really good players. The problem is, that's about all that returns. [player_tooltip player_id='1953942' first='Hudson' last='Baker'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1575955' first='Zavier' last='Phillips'] are athletic big men who should be really good as seniors. But after that, almost all the minutes went to seniors last year. Some guys are going to have to step up in order for this to be a good season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->