Preview of AV-CTL Div. 3

The landscape of the division changes as Augusta slides down to Div. 4 and McPherson replaces them. That's a huge shift adding arguably the most successful program in the state of Kansas to your division. Since Wahlgren returned to the sidelines at Buhler, the Crusaders have owned the division. That might change this season as the Bullpups look to have a formidable squad and Mulvane returns virtually its whole team.

The division appears to be up for grabs, as there is no one dominant team - at least now. Each team has a list of question marks it must answer, but some have a little more talent than other. McPherson and Buhler lost their whole starting lineups and must replace a large portion of last year's production. Mulvane has everyone back, but too many times had mental lapses last season. Rose Hill is under the direction of a new coach and Winfield and El Dorado are fighting to join the top of the division race.

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. McPherson Bullpups (Full Team Preview)
It's a safe bet to assume McPherson has reloaded and is not rebuilding. But a challenging December schedule will be difficult to navigate with so much turnover. Expect the Bullpups to be playing their best in February and March though, as they are the favorites in their division and to return to Salina this season and be in the conversation for Banner No. 12.

2. Mulvane Wildcats (Full Team Preview)
Mulvane breaks the streak, locks up its first winning record since 1987 and finishes second place in the division behind McPherson. The Wildcats aren't ready to be an elite team yet, but the pieces they have coming back are very good and they could threaten for a state berth if things come together the right way. The potential is there; it's up to Mulvane to figure it out as this season is the culmination for so many seniors.

3. Buhler Crusaders (Full Team Preview)
No one is expecting another 19-win season, but it would be a shocker to see anything less than a winning record. There's so many questions to be answered, it might be a rough go early on but I think the Crusaders turn into a solid team by the end of the season and finish somewhere around 12-13 wins.

T4. Winfield Vikings (Full Team Preview)
Winfield will be looking to take the next step this season and has the opportunity to in a league in flux. But the schedule is tough before the break and injuries have begun to mount up for the Vikings. If they can survive that early stretch then they could very well be on their way to a winning season and a place around the top of the league standings.

T4. El Dorado Wildcats (Full Team Preview)
El Dorado could very well be a better team from a year ago, but the record might not show it. WithMcPherson dropping down a division, it's going to be awfully tough for anyone to contend with them. Buhler and Mulvane will also be difficult to deal with, but I think El Dorado can steal a game and challenge for a finish in the top-half of the division this season.

6. Rose Hill Rockets (Full Team Preview)
Siemens brings in a fun and exciting brand of basketball to Rose Hill, which should see an increase in scoring this season. That might be the cure for what ailed the Rockets last season, but it is the first year in the system and will take time to adjust to. I think Rose Hill hovers around .500 for much of the season; a winning year would be a success and a step in the right direction under Siemens.