1. Washburn Rural (Kansas 6A 36-0) Previously: 1
The perfect record is still intact and shouldn’t have any issues running through the substate. The number one ranked will open Saturday against the winner of the 16 vs 17 matchups.
2. St. Thomas Aquinas (Kansas 5A 31-3) Previously: 3
The Saints took down Gardner-Edgerton in their last outing. They will enter with the 2nd seed in the Bonner Springs site region.
3. Blue Valley North (Kansas 6A 31-2) Previously: 5
Blue Valley North makes the biggest leap in the rankings this week after a tournament championship, which included taking down a strong Liberty North team. They were awarded the top seed in the Shawnee Misson Northwest site region and will play the winner of KCK foes J C Harmon and Wyandotte.
4. Lansing (Kansas 5A 30-1) Previously: 4
Lansing boasts a 30 match winning streak heading into the final week after clinching another league title. They were awarded the top seed in the Bonner Springs region.
5. Liberty North (Missouri Class 5 22-2) Previously: 2
Liberty North is still top dogs in our eyes regionally for Missouri Class 6. The defending state championships host district play starting this week. More on this in this week’s preview.
6. Liberty (Missouri Class 5 23-4) Previously: 6
Liberty had a strong showing in tournament action last weekend taking down perennial programs Logan-Rogersville, Eureka, and Har-Ber and losing to Lafayette.
7. Shawnee Mission Northwest (Kansas 6A 29-8) Previously: 10
Northwest ran into a tough Lansing team last week but took care of business again teams they are supposed to beat. They earned the number 2 seed in Substate action.
8. Mill Valley (Kansas 5A 29-7) Previously: 7
2-1 last week with the 1 coming at the hands of Blue Valley North. They will have the 4 seed and open against Pittsburg this weekend at Mill Valley.
9. Lawrence Free State (Kansas 6A 22-9) Previously: 10
Free State will have the luxury of hosting this weekend with a trip to the state tournament on the line. They looked good this past weekend with their one defeat coming to top-ranked Washburn Rural.
10. Spring Hill (Kansas 5A 27-6) Previously: NR
Tournament champions last weekend knocking out both St. James and Olathe Northwest. Their strong play earns them the 3rd seed in their bracket.
11. St. James Academy (Kansas 5A 24-9) Previously: 8
The Thunder had a strong showing at their weekend tournament losing only to Spring Hill. They will be the 5th seed in the Bonner Springs Substate.
12. Blue Valley West (Kansas 6A 26-8) Previously: 11
2-1 week with a loss to Olathe Northwest. They will be the 3rd seed this weekend.
13. St. Pius (Missouri Class 4 22-2) Previously: 14
Tournament championship for the Warriors last weekend.
14. Heritage Christian Academy (Kansas 3A 30-2) Previously: 13
HCA has a couple of light matches this week before making their Class 3A debut at the Pomona-West Franklin site.
15. Baldwin (Kansas 4A 25-3) Previously: NR
Baldwin has been strong all year and will take their 25-3 record in Substate action. They have a showdown with Spring Hill this week before beginning the postseason.
Outside Looking In; Grain Valley (23-4), Smithville (23-5-5, Platte County (22-8), Olathe Northwest 22-10