Much of their success was thanks in large part to All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who finished second in the AL MVP voting behind New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge. Witt is a generational talent who is prepared to lead the Royals to an era of success and winning baseball.

As for the local schools, Witt projects sixth-seeded Mizzou to beat Drake, then upset Texas Tech before falling to St. John’s in the Sweet 16. Witt is not quite as bullish on Kansas. He has the Jayhawks defeating Arkansas but losing to St. John’s.