Kansas, January 7, 2026
High school basketball in Kansas is thriving, with teams like Atchison, Hiawatha, and Doniphan West making headlines in the current season. The Atchison Phoenix boys’ basketball team has emerged as a strong contender in Class 4A, while Hiawatha demonstrates resilience early in the season. The Doniphan West Mustangs girls’ basketball team continues to uphold a legacy of achievement. Community support plays a vital role, enhancing athletic programs and fostering growth for student-athletes across the state.
Atchison, Kansas – High school basketball in Kansas is a vibrant landscape of competition, skill development, and community engagement. Programs across the state provide student-athletes with opportunities for personal growth through rigorous training and team-based challenges. The latest polls for the 2025-2026 season highlight several programs, including the Atchison boys’ basketball team, the Hiawatha boys’ basketball team, and the Doniphan West girls’ basketball team. These teams exemplify the dedication and talent prevalent in Kansas prep sports, attracting significant local support and contributing to school pride.
High school athletics play a significant role in fostering discipline, teamwork, and leadership skills among participants. The Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA) oversees these programs, ensuring an environment that emphasizes sportsmanship and fair play. The ongoing season showcases the results of hard work and strategic preparation by coaches and players, culminating in regular updates to state-level rankings that reflect current performance.
Atchison Boys’ Basketball: A Strong Contender in Class 4A
The Atchison Phoenix boys’ basketball team has established itself as a notable force in Class 4A for the 2025-2026 season. The team was ranked 2nd in Class 4A boys in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) rankings released on December 16, 2025. As of early January 2026, the Atchison Phoenix hold an impressive overall record of 7-0. Their district record also stands strong at 2-0.
The Atchison Phoenix roster for the 2025-2026 season features several key players. Among them are senior point guard/shooting guard Josiah Thompson, senior power forward Javontae Kelley, senior power forward/center Yogi Purdy, and senior small forward Kael Williams. These athletes contribute to the team’s strong performance, building on the program’s history.
Recent victories for the Phoenix in late 2025 include wins against Sumner Academy on December 19, 2025, Leavenworth on December 17, 2025, and Eudora on December 11, 2025. The team also secured a victory against Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy on December 12, 2025. Historically, Atchison returned to the state tournament in 2023 for the first time since 2015. The program has accumulated 12 state appearances and 5 state titles, with their last championship in 1988.
Hiawatha Boys’ Basketball: Red Hawks Show Resilience
The Hiawatha Red Hawks boys’ basketball team has demonstrated a competitive spirit during the 2025-2026 season. While not appearing in the top 10 of the December 16, 2025 KBCA rankings for their class, the team holds a Kansas Rank of 59 on MaxPreps. As of early January 2026, the Red Hawks boast an overall record of 6-1 and a district record of 2-0.
Key players on the Hiawatha roster for the 2025-2026 season include junior guard Alex Ross, senior Ethan Morton who plays point guard and shooting guard, senior Michael Jensen (shooting guard, point guard), and senior center Lane Kesler.
Hiawatha has secured several notable wins early in the season, including a 68-36 victory against Holton on January 2, 2026. Other wins include defeating Sabetha 58-47 on December 16, 2025, Atchison-Maur Hill-Mount Academy 70-43 on December 12, 2025, and Horton 66-53 on December 9, 2025. The team’s single loss came in an overtime game against Troy High School, with a final score of 85-87 on December 5, 2025.
Doniphan West Girls’ Basketball: Continuing a Legacy of Achievement
The Doniphan West Mustangs girls’ basketball team, representing Highland, Kansas, continues to be a program with a history of significant achievements. While they were not featured in the top 10 of the preseason KBCA rankings for their class in December 2025, their MaxPreps Kansas Rank is 36. As of early January 2026, the Mustangs’ overall record stands at 6-2, with a district record of 0-1.
The Doniphan West program has a recent state championship history, having won their first state title in 2023 in Class 1A Division I, defeating Quinter 55-49. They also finished as state runner-up in Class 2A in 2025.
In the current 2025-2026 season, Doniphan West has achieved victories against Oskaloosa on January 5, 2026, with a score of 54-44. Other wins include defeating Atchison County High School 54-10 on December 12, 2025, and Riverside High School 51-50 on December 9, 2025. They recorded a loss against Linn High School on January 2, 2026, with a score of 48-57.
Community Impact and Support for Kansas High School Sports
High school sports across Kansas are deeply integrated into the fabric of local communities. Fan engagement is a cornerstone of these programs, with communities frequently rallying to support their local teams. This support extends beyond attendance, often encompassing local sponsorships that provide vital resources for athletic programs. Organizations like the Kansas Beef Council and Chick-fil-A are official partner sponsors of Kansas high school athletics through the KSHSAA, underscoring the broader network of support.
These partnerships and community involvement are crucial for enhancing athletic programs, providing resources for facilities, equipment, and coaching. Such support helps foster discipline, work ethic, and a commitment to personal growth among student-athletes. High school basketball specifically provides a platform for athletes to develop resilience and handle pressure, skills that are valuable beyond the court.
Scholarship opportunities, such as the CapFed True Blue Scholarships awarded by the KSHSAA and Capitol Federal Foundation, further demonstrate the statewide commitment to supporting student-athletes in their post-secondary education. These initiatives highlight the diverse opportunities created by participation in high school sports.
Looking Ahead in Kansas High School Basketball
The 2025-2026 Kansas high school basketball season continues to unfold, promising more intense competition and displays of athletic prowess. The early performances of teams like Atchison, Hiawatha, and Doniphan West set the stage for compelling matchups and potential deep playoff runs. The dedication exhibited by these student-athletes, supported by their coaches and communities, reflects the core values of high school athletics.
We encourage all sports enthusiasts to follow the progress of these diligent teams and student-athletes as they continue their respective seasons. Your engagement helps reinforce the positive impact of high school sports programs across Kansas. Stay tuned to HEREPhoenix.com for continued coverage of high school sports stories that celebrate the spirit of competition and personal achievement.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- What is the current ranking of the Atchison boys’ basketball team?
- The Atchison boys’ basketball team was ranked 2nd in Class 4A boys in the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association (KBCA) rankings released on December 16, 2025.
- What is the current record for the Hiawatha boys’ basketball team?
- As of early January 2026, the Hiawatha boys’ basketball team has an overall record of 6-1 and a district record of 2-0.
- Has the Doniphan West girls’ basketball team won a state championship?
- Yes, the Doniphan West girls’ basketball team won their first state championship in 2023 in Class 1A Division I, defeating Quinter 55-49.
- Who are some of the key players for the Atchison Phoenix boys’ basketball team for the 2025-2026 season?
- Key players on the Atchison Phoenix roster for the 2025-2026 season include senior point guard/shooting guard Josiah Thompson, senior power forward Javontae Kelley, senior power forward/center Yogi Purdy, and senior small forward Kael Williams.
- Are there statewide sponsorships for Kansas high school athletics?
- Yes, organizations like the Kansas Beef Council and Chick-fil-A are official partner sponsors of Kansas high school athletics through the Kansas State High School Activities Association (KSHSAA).
Featured Kansas High School Basketball Teams: Overview
| Team | School Location | Current Record (2025-2026) | State-level Ranking (Dec 2025 KBCA/MaxPreps) | Notable Achievement (State-level) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Atchison Phoenix Boys Basketball | Atchison, Kansas | 7-0 Overall, 2-0 District | 2nd in Class 4A (KBCA) | 5 State Titles (last in 1988), 12 State Appearances |
| Hiawatha Red Hawks Boys Basketball | Hiawatha, Kansas | 6-1 Overall, 2-0 District | KS Rank 59 (MaxPreps) | Competitive Season Performance |
| Doniphan West Mustangs Girls Basketball | Highland, Kansas | 6-2 Overall, 0-1 District | KS Rank 36 (MaxPreps) | 2023 Class 1A-DI State Champions, 2025 Class 2A State Runner-up |
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