The lineup is set for the 810 Varsity Showcase series for 2023-24, and it may be one of the best in the 10 years of the events.

This year's lineup features four events, and most of the teams in the 810 Varsity boys preseason Top 25, as well as solid girls matchups too. Plus top regional teams too.

"We always play in 1-2 games a year in the 810 Varsity events because we know we're getting a matchup that is the best for our team in the area, or not having to travel for it," stated Staley head coach Chris Neff.

A few of the highlights:

Quality, Not Quantity

The opening event on December 2 at Oak Park features three of the top five teams in the 810 Varsity Top 25 - Oak Park vs Grandview, plus Staley vs Springfield Central. The two-game event will start at 6 pm next Saturday.

"We looked to have four games in the opening event, but due to this and that, it was condensed to two games - but two VERY good games," touted 810 Varsity's Chad Rader.

Return of Miege vs McPherson

In a two-year series, 810 Varsity will feature Kansas Class 4A powers and state rivals in Bishop Miege vs McPherson with both boys and girls set for Saturday, December 16 at Shawnee Mission Northwest. The series will continue in the first-ever 810 Varsity event at McPherson next year.

"It's been one of the state biggest rivalries on the biggest stages in the state tournaments, or sometimes regular season," McPherson athletic director Shane Backhus said. "It's very exciting to have this event at the Roundhouse next year too."

Kansas vs Arkansas champs?

Shawnee Mission Northwest, one of the top boys teams in Kansas Class 6A, will face last year's Class 6A state runner-up in Arkansas, as Springdale will face the Cougars on Saturday, December 16.  Among the hyped players will be junior 6-foot-5 guard Isaiah Sealy, the No. 2 player in Arkansas in the 2025 class, offered by Mizzou, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Ole Miss and others. 

The Cougars will counteract with 6-foot-5 guard Keaton Wagler, and 6-foot-10 Ethan Taylor, a budding high Division I prospect in the 2026 class.

"We really wanted a game against a team outside the KC area, and win, lose or draw, will be a fun, high-level game," stated David Birch, Shawnee Mission Northwest. "To have it at our house is one of the great things about the 810 events and keeping them in Kansas City."

Top 10 Role Call

On January 6, the lineup is stacked with Mill Valley vs North Kansas City, Blue Valley Northwest vs Staley and Lee's Summit West vs Blue Valley North - all teams in the top 12 of the 810 Varsity preseason Top 25.

"The Northwest vs Staley matchup of defending Class 6 vs 6A state champs is a doozy, and really wanted it last year, but things didn't align," said Rader. "Overall, the final three games are loaded with talent and great games, but also solid matchups throughout the day."

The event will also have the return of Ed Fritz to the Blue Valley courts, as the long-time Blue Valley Northwest coach has served as the NKC head coach the past four years.

The event will be held at Blue Valley North.

Last But Not Least

In addition to a nice lineup on February 3 at Lee's Summit West, including two rising young teams in Lee's Summit vs St. Thomas Aquinas - the final game will be one for the season as Oak Park and Lee's Summit West face off.

"We were looking for a game against a top team in the region, to get us ready for some different looks to be ready for the state tournament," Titans head coach Michael Schieber said. "But the Northmen are as loaded as anyone in the state, so it'll be fun and help both teams."

Tickets remain just $7 for adults, $5 for students. 

810 Varsity Showcase 31
Saturday, December 2
Oak Park HS

6 pm: Staley vs Springfield Central
7:30 pm: Oak Park vs Grandview

Bold: Home team

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810 Varsity Showcase 32
Saturday, December 16
Shawnee Mission Northwest HS

11 am: Blue Valley Northwest vs Van Horn (boys)
12:30 pm: Blue Valley West vs Park Hill South (boys)
2 pm: Bishop Miege  vs McPherson (girls)
3:30 pm: Bishop Miege  vs McPherson (boys)
5 pm: Blue Valley North vs Barstow (boys)
6:30 pm: Shawnee Mission Northwest  vs Barstow (girls)
8 pm: Shawnee Mission Northwest vs Springdale (Ark.) (boys)

Bold: Home team

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810 Varsity Showcase 33
Saturday, January 6
Blue Valley North HS

10 am: Blue Valley Southwest vs Pembroke Hill (girls)
11:30 am: Blue Valley Southwest vs Center (boys)
1 pm: Piper vs Raytown South (boys) 
2:30 pm: Blue Valley West vs Hogan Prep (boys)
4 pm: Olathe South vs Pembroke Hill (boys)
5:30 pm: Mill Valley vs North Kansas City (boys)
7 pm: Blue Valley Northwest  vs Staley (boys)
8:30 pm: Blue Valley North vs Lee's Summit West (boys)

Bold: Home team

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810 Varsity Showcase 34
Saturday, February 3
Lee's Summit West HS

10 am: Raytown vs Pembroke Hill (girls)
11:30 am: Lincoln Prep  vs Bishop Miege (girls)
1 pm: Belton vs St. James Academy (boys)
2:30 pm: Blue Springs vs Basehor-Linwood (girls)
4 pm: St. Michael the Archangel vs Basehor-Linwood (boys)
5:30 pm: Lee's Summit vs St. Thomas Aquinas (boys)
7 pm: Lee's Summit West vs Blue Valley (girls)
8:30 pm: Lee's Summit West vs Oak Park (boys)

Bold: Home team