The Iola Mustangs, Humboldt Cubs and Yates Center Wildcats all found themselves ranked at various points in the season in the boys basketball Kansas Basketball Coaches’ Association Poll with Humboldt even climbing as high as No. 1.
Each of those teams lose key players next season, so will they be able to maintain their high level of play?
Crest, Southern Coffey County and Marmaton Valley all faced rebuilding seasons with young teams, but each saw plenty of positives this season. Will they be able to take the next step next season?
Let’s take a look at what each team has returning and try to answer those questions.
IOLA
The Mustangs should have an advantage on the inside every time they step onto the floor next season.
Forward Ethan Holloway will be a senior next season and will be the only returning First Team All-Pioneer League player next season after being joined by four seniors on last season’s team.
Holloway can be unstoppable at times on the offensive end of the court, but goes through lulls where he isn’t getting himself as involved.
Next year, that will need to change. With the loss of the entire starting backcourt, Holloway will need to be a No. 1 option night in and night out.
Evan Sigg will join his classmate as a returning starter in the frontcourt and seems to be poised for a huge breakout year.
Early in the season, Sigg took a backseat to Holloway, Isaiah Fawson and Ben Cooper in the scoring department, but as the season went on he became more and more aggressive and that allowed the Mustangs to be far more potent on offense.
Zach Cokely will also be back for his senior season. He provided fantastic energy off the bench last season and his presence next season will allow Sigg and Holloway to stay fresh.
Matt Miller and Hunter Preston were strong junior varsity posts this season and should also push for minutes.
The backcourt will be completely new next season with not only the losses the losses of starters Joey Zimmerman, Fawson and Cooper, but as also top reserves Braden Plumlee and Chase Regehr.
Junior varsity standouts Derek Bycroft, Isaac Vink and Cale Barnhart are the most likely candidates to be thrust into starting roles next season.
