I don't think anyone else in the division is capable of beating those three teams, so the league title will come down to how each team does against the other two. Andover returns probably the most experience and could be the pre-season favorite in many eyes. Eisenhower lost its best player, but has another stud in Trevon Evans and an explosive offense. Andover Central is a great unknown with so much uncertainty but such a great reputation for winning under Herrmann.
It all should make for a great season and I will give you everything you need to know about how the league race will shape up.
There's no question Eisenhower won't be able to replicate Bush's contributions from last season. And losing Ashton Briggs is another under-the-radar loss that will affect the Tigers. But what they will benefit the most from is another season of maturity from their junior class. I think Trevon Evans is ready to become the leader of this team and the Tigers should be the favorite to win their division. Eisenhower will be one of the more fun teams around to watch play and I think you can expect a repeat season from last year, winning around 16 games in the regular season and contending for a state berth.
2. Andover Central Jaguars (Full Team Preview)
It might look like Central is about to drop-off, but it would be foolish to ever doubt a Herrmann-coached squad. That's why I'm a believer the Jaguars have reloaded. There's no question they won't be as dominant as they were last season, but this year's team will be good in a different way. Winter is ready to take over this team and lead the Jaguars through a very difficult league and sub-state. It's a tough schedule, but I like Central to win around 15 games and be right back in the conversation toreach Topeka.
3. Andover Trojans (Full Team Preview)
Andover brings back the most experience of any team in the league, but it doesn't necessarily have a top-end player like some of the other schools. That might change, as Carter, Bruner, Kvasnicka and DeKoning all have the ability to break out. The Trojans won't suffer a drop-off in Wilmott's first year, as they should win around the same games as last year and be right back in the sub-state finals with a chance to go to state.
4. Maize South Mavericks (Full Team Preview)
Finishing .500 will be a challenge in this division. It's loaded with Eisenhower and both of the Andover's, but there is a drop-off after that and there's no reason why the Mavericks can't be that fourth team. They have a stud in Barney and depending on how his junior season goes, Maize South has the potential to be a team no one wants to see in sub-state. They're athletic and have a lot of size, so if they can put it together they can become a real problem for teams to defend. Scoring points is what it's going to come down. I think Maize South won't have enough to beat any of the elite teams, but it will have enough to beat the bottom teams and to finish fourth in the division and win over 8 games.
5. Valley Center Hornets (Full Team Preview)
There's no question the new offensive system will do wonders for Valley Center. Wetig appears to have a grasp on what needs to happen to turn things around and the process has already begun. But to expect much this season, only the second under Wetig, is asking a lot. Valley Center might be able to surprise a few and pull off an upset here and there, but I still think they are a few years away from seriously contending. I think Valley Center increases its win total from last season and takes another step in the right direction under Wetig.
T6. Ark City Bulldogs (Full Team Preview)
Ark City lost pretty much everyone from last year, but it might be a case where they need a new identity. Last season they struggled because they couldn't score. This team shouldn't have that problem, but the opposite. If Ark City can find enough defense and rebounding, then it could have a chance to surprise some people in the league. But inexperience against quality teams like Andover, Central and Eisenhower will be tough to mask. Anything close to a winning record would be an accomplishment for the Bulldogs.
T6. Goddard Lions (Full Team Preview)
Taylor has Goddard headed in the right direction, but he arrived at an unfortunate time when the Lions are playing in a ultra-competitive division and right when the town split into two high schools. Another year under Taylor will pay dividends this season and I expect Goddard to increase its win total from last year, but probably not by much. It looks like another rebuilding year for the Lions as they set out to be a team that no one wants to face in sub-state.
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