We still get a few more doses of hoops this week before winter break. When the teams pick back up in January, we'll see who's who. The contenders will show themselves at the mid-season tournaments.

While the City League plays on Thursday before taking its break, Class 4A has two very intriguing matchups tonight.

Andover Central at Andale
Boys
Has Andale gotten past its football hangover? Three members of the two-time state football championship team, Ethan Ungles, Brett Macari and Chris Ast, along with leading scorer Michael Hermreck are trying to kickstart their season. Andover Central has losses to Wichita Collegiate and Andover - nothing to be embarrassed about. They have the potential to improve greatly by February. This matchup would be even more interesting in February. Both teams have a ways to go, but can get there.

Mulvane at Andover
Boys
Andover put themselves at the top of the heap in 4A with an early-season win over Andover Central. Mulvane surprised people with a ten-point win over Andale at their pre-season tournament. Mulvane, a surprise state contender in football this past fall, is trying to do it again on the hardwood.

The next issue of HSSTM: Central Kansas goes to the printer tomorrow. The issue will be released in the first week of January. Remember - give us feedback. Post here in the blog or in our forums. Send us your opinions and story ideas.

Who's the best

The January magazine's lead feature will be a reflection on the fall football season. It was truly a season to remember. For the first time since 1978, five teams within 50 miles of Wichita made the state title game; three won it all, the area's most since 1982.

I'll also be naming my Top 11 players for the 2007 football season in the area. These will be my selections, based on what I saw this season. I'll also name groups of juniors and sophomores to keep a lookout for next season.

Beyond that, we're trying some new things in the magazine. We'll have feature stories on high school rodeo and hockey, with sidebars on synchronized skating and car racing. Also, we're trying out a new idea: we've interviewed five different groups of friends in the area, athletes who hang out at a certain spot. We will print photographs of them at their hangout with a short writeup in the January magazine. Does anyone have a special hangout, or do you have any off-beat ideas for features in the magazine?

In February, we're planning a huge wrestling section, in preparation for state. So be ready, wrestling community.