I was able to take in some of the sub state basketball this past week. I mostly watch 1a-3a basketball so I'll focus my thoughts on those divisions. Would be appreciative to get other's thoughts as well. I think state basketball is a good distraction from Bruceketball. Sorry if so long. I'll probably be able to watch some 2a competition in Manhattan this week since I'm busy at work.
- In 1a Div2 I did not get to see any sub state action, and honestly am not that familiar with most of these teams. I fully expect the Waverly girls to win, but I think the boys division is a toss-up. There are some poor teams as can be expected here, but I fully expect it to be a higher level of competition than in some of the years past.
- In 1a Div1. The Centralia girls are the favorite. If seeding takes shape they will face Hanover girls in the 2nd round which is Centralia's only loss. The winner of that game I think will play Olpe in the championship game. I fully expect that to be the state championship game with Centralia getting the nod. In the boys tilt I watched Onaga in sub-state. They are a scrappy bunch. They only go about 6 deep. They do not have anyone that can match up with South Grey inside. They could give South Grey fits with their guards, but fully expect South Grey to match up in the finals against Hanover. Hanover is a little like Onaga, but with more depth. I think Hanover's athleticism gives them this year's title over South Grey. This would be one of the games I'd be most excited to watch if I'm a basketball fan.
- In 2a I was able to see a nice Bishop Seabury team take out the defending state champs Jackson Heights and their star Wyatt Olberding in their sub-state final. Heights knocked off the #3 and #4 ranked teams in the state to get to the Sub-state final against Seabury. Seabury has a nice compliment of players lead by Mikey Wycoff. Wycoff is a clone of Kamau Stokes in my opinion. He has upped his game and is a fairly good rebounder now. The team passes well, but does not have a true post player. I can easily see a Salina Sacred Heart vs St. John Hudson championship here. I just don't see Seabury having the control to overcome a St. John team that is generally very disciplined. Salina with the win here. On the girls side it will be all Central Plains. Also been told it will be theirs to lose the next few years as well. Not sure if my source was feeding me a line, but after watching them play a couple of games last year they have a pretty special program.
- In 3a I was able to take in a Marysville game in sub state action. They are lead by Gabe Pieschel. He is a fairly smooth player and has a nice outside shot. Makes most of his plays on hustle. I think they should be able to win their first round game against Silver Lake which is a rematch from when they faced each other in the Nemaha Central Thunder Classic. The Bulldogs won their first meeting. Don't see them as a final contender. I think Galena squeaks by them in the 2nd round to win the whole thing. On the girls side, I think Hays TMP wins over Hugoton.
