HUTCHINSON – Several Hutch Post–area boys basketball programs earned top-10 placements Tuesday as the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association released its latest statewide rankings. The next poll will be published Dec. 16.
Hesston led all area teams with the highest placement, opening the week at No. 1 in Class 3A. The Swathers sit ahead of Silver Lake, Burlington and Holcomb in the early-season poll as they look to build on another strong start. Cheney also appears in the 3A rankings at No. 8, giving south-central Kansas multiple contenders in the classification.
Class 2A also features significant representation from the region. Sterling sits atop the poll at No. 1, while Moundridge follows at No. 2, marking the second time this week the two schools appear as a 1–2 pairing in basketball rankings after both girls teams debuted highly on Tuesday. Ell-Saline, Sacred Heart and Berean Academy round out the top five, but the Heart of America League presence remains the strongest at the top.
In Class 4A, McPherson enters the poll at No. 7 as one of the most consistent mid-sized programs in Kansas. Baldwin, Rock Creek and Pratt hold the top three positions, though the Bullpups’ strong early-season results keep them firmly in contender status heading toward holiday tournament play.
Little River also gives the region another top-10 program, checking in at No. 6 in Class 1A Division I, where Olpe, South Gray and Lincoln lead the field. Canton-Galva claims the final spot in that division at No. 10, strengthening the central Kansas presence.