CRYSTAL BALL: Hello, Ryan. Are you in need of my wisdom again?

ME: No way, dude. You tried to help me in football, and I ended up looking like a clown.

Nonsense, young sports writer. I told you Olathe East would win the Sunflower League, and it did. What was wrong with my advice?

The other 10 picks.

Oh.

You said Free State had the city’s best football team back in August. And Lawrence High beat the Firebirds, 21-6. I’m still sifting through all the “told you so” e-mails thanks to that doozy.

But this is basketball season, my man. The great crystal ball knows all about Sunflower League hoops. Let me help you again.

I’d rather throw you at a brick wall.

Now, now. I know something that only a crystal ball would know.

Oh yeah? What’s that?

I can see the Olathe South boys winning league this year.

Well, duh.

There’s no need to be rude.

What gave that one away, oh great crystal ball? The fact that the Falcons have three all-league picks back from last year’s 24-1 team?

If you shut up, I’ll correctly pick the order of the rest of the league.

Oh, geez.

I see Leavenworth being strong, thanks to a few returning starters and a few transfers. A 16-4 regular-season record looks accurate. And let’s go with Shawnee Mission East finishing third at 14-6.

Are you going to throw a Lawrence team in there?

Patience, oh great sports reporter. The problem is, no guy in this city has any height. If Free State can turn that to a quickness advantage, the Firebirds will finish fourth with a 12-8 mark.

Hurry up and finish already. You’re boring me.

Fine. I see Shawnee Mission South going 12-8, too. Lawrence High, Shawnee Mission West, Olathe North and Olathe East each will hover around .500 and battle to make the top half of the league standings. Shawnee Mission Northwest, Shawnee Mission North and Olathe Northwest probably will struggle in this great league.

You’re getting vague.

You’re getting on my nerves.

How about the girls? I heard Lawrence High was mighty strong.

True, but I won’t jinx them. LHS coach Kristin Mallory will use me as a bowling ball if I do.

Not a bad idea.

Besides, SM Northwest looks really good, too. I’ll take the Cougars to win league with a 16-4 record. The Lions are right behind at 15-5.

Not that I trust your judgment, but who else looks strong?

Olathe East will be good — good enough to finish 13-7. You can take that one to the bank.

I would, except it’s coming from you.

I’ll pretend I didn’t hear that, and instead tell you Olathe South, Olathe North, Leavenworth and SM North will battle for the next four spots. Free State could be there, too, if it takes advantage of its returning experience.

Yeah, last year was a struggle for the Firebirds, but they have most of their big guns back.

I know this. I’m a crystal ball.

One last question: Who will win the Free State-Lawrence High matchups Dec. 19? I’m already craving the next city showdown.

Ahh, this crystal ball already knows. But I’m not going to tell you. You’re mean to me.

On that note, I feel like a nice game of kickball. Wanna play?

Stay away from me.