Class 6A State Basketball Preview

The 6A boys tournament begins and ends with Wichita Heights and Perry Ellis. They are the defending champions and the clear cut favorites.

The difference is that this year the Falcons are more experienced. After watching them play Topeka in a great Sub-State Championship, I don't think there is any way they lose this game. Topeka took Perry Ellis out of his element and challenged the Falcons the whole game, but it didn't matter.

Ellis stepped out and knocked down a couple threes and Heights spread the ball around on offense to win the game. Head Coach Joe Auer said the second half was the best half of team offensive basketball his team has played all year.

Sounds like the Falcons are peaking at the right time.

The girls side should come down to a classic between Wichita Heights and Olathe South. They are the top two seeds and both have been ranked nationally this year. Heights is currently ranked 17th overall. Its only loss this season came to 10th ranked Incarnate Word Academy (MO) in the Fort Smith Tournament back in December. The Falcons dropped that game 58-46.

The Maize Lady Eagles cannot be overlooked either. They were 4-16 just one year ago, and now the Lady Eagles are 16-6 and in the state tournament as a six seed. Maize draws the defending champion Washburn Rural Junior Blues in the first round.

Will anyone challenge the Falcon boys? Can anyone crash the party on the girls side?