This division has been owned by Andover Central for so long, it's hard to imagine anyone else coming up and knocking them off. But then again it is hard to imagine the Jaguars being as good as they were last season when they lost almost everything from that team. What it has left us is a 3-team race for the league title between Andover Central, Andover and Eisenhower.
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.
1. Eisenhower Tigers (Full Team Preview)
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.
MEET THE TEAM
Not many programs have the opportunity to have a beginning like Eisenhower did last season. When it was announced that Goddard would be splitting into two high schools and Eisenhower would be formed, many tough decisions had to be made. Goddard was home to all of the tradition, but a chance to create a new history book was appealing to many.
That's why coach Steve Blue decided to come over. That's why Zach Bush, who is now at Wichita State, decided come over. Everyone at Eisenhower is there because they choose to be, not because they were told they had to. It creates a unifying force in a program that can't be duplicated by others. That is the wave the Tigers rode in their first year of existence, as they won 18 games and made it to the state tournament before seeing their dream season end in the first round by Bishop Carroll.
Don't think that Eisenhower was a one-and-done team, despite graduating one of the best players in the area in Bush. The Tigers return three starters and virtually their whole guard unit, which makes them a dangerous threat once again.
After playing sidekick to Bush last season, expect junior Trevon Evans to assume the role as leading scorer. Blue was thoroughly impressed by the strides Evans made over the summer with his strength and overall game. He's an explosive athlete at 6-foot that has the ability to pass, but will be suited best with the ball in his hands and attacking the rim. He's added more consistency to his outside shot and Blue is convinced he's in store for a monster season.
Joining him in the backcourt will be returning starter Daniel Southworth, who will likely return from injury after Christmas break, and key role players Brennan Stemple, a sharpshooter, and Griffin Jones. That trio will be the backbone of the guard play this season and has Blue calling this team the best shooting squad he's had at Goddard.
The team will run a 4-out, 1-in offense to exploit their quickness on the wings and also in what they feel is a mismatch in the post with whoever is guarding 6-foot-6 junior Matt Morris. Blue thinks his post game is blossoming and could be the key piece for the Tigers this season. Without much size around him, Morris will play a crucial part in the rebounding and defending aspect of the game this season.
Blue's teams in the past have primarily played man defense, but that could change this season. He is adapting to his personnel and sees the Tigers playing more trapping zone this season in an attempt to create havoc and possible run-out attempts from steals.
If you thought Eisenhower's chances of winning graduated along with Bush, you're wrong. The Tigers are still one of the better teams in the area and should once again challenge for a league title and a post-season berth. But can this team go even further than last year? The talent is there to make a run, but the Tigers' destiny might come down to their maturity. The scary thing? The foundation of this team are all juniors so they're only going to get better.
MEET THE CAST
#01 | TREVON EVANS | POINT | 6'0" | JUNIOR
A dynamic scorer that should elevate to the No. 1 scoring role this season without Bush. He is known for his slashing ability, but has added on range to his shot this season and could be one of the area's top offensive weapons.
#12 | DANIEL SOUTHWORTH | WING | 6'0" | JUNIOR
One of the glue guys that every team needs, although he is out until after Christmas break with an injury. He can handle the ball, provide support in the offense with a reliable jumper and is one of the team's best defenders on the perimeter.
#44 | MATT MORRIS | POST | 6'6" | JUNIOR
Perhaps the team's most important player because he is the only true post on the roster. Should score in double-figures this season with an increased role on offense and has the ability to be a force on both ends of the court.
#15 | BRENNAN STEMPLE | WING | 6'0" | JUNIOR
Should be one of the better shooters in the league and thrives on drilling open shots from defenders helping off him to guard Evans. He's a heady player that is reliable with the ball and has also expanded his game to incorporate more drives.
#02 | GRIFFIN JONES | WING | 5'7" | JUNIOR
He'll help handle the ball whenever Evans needs a breather or is playing off-ball. A spot starter last year, Jones will see the floor because of his defensive ability and will be needed to knock down perimeter shots this season.
#40 | MASEN ALLEN | POST | 6'4" | SENIOR
Looks and plays like a football player down low. A tough and phsyical defender, Allen should be what the Tigers are looking for off the bench: a good defender in the post that can help out rebounding with Morris.
#13 | BAILEY STRUNK | WING | 6'1" | SOPHOMORE
The athleticism is there for him to see major minutes, but his focus will be playing under control this season. He's a slasher with the ability to score and has impressed early on with improved defense.
#03 | DYLAN KUHN | WING | 6'0" | SENIOR
Missed last season with an elbow injury, but should see spot minutes this year because of his defensive ability.
#23 | AUSTIN SONDREL | WING | 6'0" | SENIOR
Yet another 6-foot guard for the Tigers, Sondrel will be a senior leader on the team that is a blue-collar worker and not afraid to dive for loose balls and step in for charges.
#34 | JAMES SALMON | POST | 6'6" | SENIOR
A bit of a project, Salmon is still raw when it comes to basketball. But the upside is high and he has a chance to be a disruptive force on defense. He's a tremendous athlete that is lanky but is doing a better job of playing more physical.
FROM COACH BLUE
"This is going to be the first team I've ever had that wants to push it and not settle into too much of a halfcourt game. With the shooters and the guards that we have, I think playing in an up-tempo game as much as possible will benefit us the most. It's a little different than what we've done in the past, but I think this team has a lot of potential."
THE PREDICTION
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.
