Kansas City Programs Dominate 6A State Quarterfinal Round

The quarterfinal round in 6A showed just how strong the Kansas City programs have been all season and highlighted the level of talent across those teams. I'll take a closer look at those quarterfinal matchups, recapping the games while also highlighting the teams and players that stood out the most. I'll also turn the page to the semifinals, breaking down what those upcoming games might look like and what to expect from the teams still in the hunt.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Olathe North 75, Derby 48</h3>   Olathe North flexed its muscle in the quarterfinals, pulling away from Derby behind a powerful combination of size and athleticism. Cameron Love and Teke Deng each took over at different stretches of the game. Love finished with a game-high 29 points, while Deng added 20 points and 11 rebounds. Both players created major problems for the Derby defense with their ability to face up and attack off the dribble.   [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr'] once again delivered a strong floor game, finishing with 13 points and helping push pace and force defensive rotations. On the Derby side, [player_tooltip player_id='2820782' first='Greg' last='Stiger'] and Cale Clingan led the way offensively.   The Eagles now turn their attention to a very familiar opponent in Mill Valley. The two teams met earlier this season, with Mill Valley escaping with a thrilling 61–58 win. In that matchup, Olathe North's usual size and length inside were somewhat neutralized. If the Eagles want to flip the result this time around, they'll need strong performances in the paint from both Teke Deng and William Cooper.   At the same time, expect Simmons, Love, and Max Galindo to be at their best on the perimeter if Olathe North wants to give itself a real shot at playing for the state title.   Next Game: Olathe North vs. Mill Valley | Friday, March 13th at 7:30 PM | Koch Arena   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Shawnee Mission South 94, Manhattan 50</h3>   The Raiders showed off their depth and versatility as they pulled away from Manhattan in a dominant performance that featured four players finishing in double figures. The combination of [player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] proved too much for the Indians to handle, with both using their size and mobility to attack off the bounce or create space inside. DeBaun finished with 20 points, while Kerrigan added 18.   Ben Allen poured in 27 points and knocked down seven threes, perfectly complementing the Raiders' interior attack by stretching the floor. That inside-out balance was impressive to watch and consistently put Manhattan in a tough spot defensively, no matter how they tried to adjust.   Kaiden Davis was the fourth Raider in double figures, finishing with 14 points. For Manhattan, Vince Doering led the way with 24 points, while Will Carpenter chipped in 10.   Shawnee Mission South will now look to carry that momentum into its semifinal matchup with Wichita Heights. Expect the Raiders to lean on much of the same formula — their experienced, veteran group and their primary leaders. Keeping the ball in the hands of Allen, DeBaun, and Kerrigan should remain the priority, while continuing to exploit the mismatches they're able to create on the wings and inside.   Next Game: Shawnee Mission South vs. Wichita Heights | Friday, March 13th at 5:30 PM | Koch Arena   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Mill Valley 61, Blue Valley North 45</h3>   A lot of shots fell early in this one, with both teams trading scores throughout the first quarter. As the game went on, though, it gradually turned into more of a half-court battle. Mill Valley used a couple of timely runs to stretch the lead and ultimately create the separation they needed.   The Jaguars were especially impressive on the defensive end, shutting the Mustangs down during key stretches of the game. Their ability to keep the ball in front and consistently contest shots made life difficult for Blue Valley North.   Offensively, Mill Valley got contributions from multiple players. [player_tooltip player_id='2327573' first='Reece' last='Riedel'], Dylan Everhart, and [player_tooltip player_id='2245759' first='Jack' last='Carpenter'] all finished in double figures. That balance allowed them to move the ball, share the scoring load, and consistently make the right reads in different situations.   Riedel shined as both a passer and a playmaker, consistently finding teammates and setting them up in scoring opportunities. He also connected with Grady Larson for a few timely three-pointers, helping the team extend their lead and generate momentum.   For Blue Valley North, [player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'] led the way with a game-high 16 points, while [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] added 12.   With Mill Valley now moving on to face Olathe North again, it's hard not to expect another slugfest between two extremely talented rosters. If Mill Valley can once again deal with the Eagles' size, they should have a chance late in the game. And when it comes down to those moments, the Jaguars have one of the best shot takers and shot makers in the state in Riedel.   JaKhai Carter could also play a key role. His ability to provide secondary scoring and playmaking, along with his defensive presence, gives Mill Valley another piece that could help the Jaguars create separation.   Next Game: Mill Valley vs. Olathe North | Friday, March 13th at 7:30 PM | Koch Arena   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Wichita Heights 57, Maize 56</h3>   Another game came down to the wire, with the two teams trading late buckets in the closing moments. [player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] scored to give Maize a brief edge, but [player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] answered by calmly knocking down two pressure free throws to put Wichita Heights ahead with about seven seconds left on the clock. Heights then clamped down on the defensive end, not even allowing Maize to get a shot off as they closed out the win.   There were stretches throughout the game where the shot-making was extremely high, and both teams received key contributions from multiple players in their rotations. Timmons led the Falcons with 14 points, while [player_tooltip player_id='2401810' first='Ah'Jaylyn' last='Walker'] added 12 and knocked down a few big shots at crucial moments.   Myovela finished with 23 points in the loss for Maize, while Cooper Shaw added 15.   Now Heights faces what will likely be its toughest test of the season as it prepares to take on Shawnee Mission South with a trip to the state title game on the line. For the Falcons, turning the game into more of a half-court battle will be key, allowing them to control the pace and tempo. Mixing in a few different defensive looks could also help slow down the Raiders' offensive rhythm.   Timmons has put together a strong season, but Heights will likely need his best performance of the year if the Falcons hope to advance.   Next Game: Wichita Heights vs. Shawnee Mission South | Friday, March 13th at 5:30 PM | Koch Arena

The quarterfinal round in 6A showed just how strong the Kansas City programs have been all season and highlighted the level of talent across those teams. I'll take a closer look at those quarterfinal matchups, recapping the games while also highlighting the teams and players that stood out the most. I'll also turn the page to the semifinals, breaking down what those upcoming games might look like and what to expect from the teams still in the hunt.