5A KBCA Rankings Top 10: Key Players
In this article:
Throughout the season we will take a look at the KBCA Rankings as voted on by the coaches around Kansas and take a look at the key players in the top 10 and how they will or have impacted their…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingThroughout the season we will take a look at the KBCA Rankings as voted on by the coaches around Kansas and take a look at the key players in the top 10 and how they will or have impacted their teams during the 2021-2022 Campaign. Today’s venture will be on the 5A rankings from December 14th.
#1 Maize
MVP: Kyle Grill Kyle Grill 6'4" | CG Maize | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’6 G: Grill is the engine that keeps Maize rolling on their quest for back to back state titles. The point guard has great length, athleticism and vision to go along with a ton of talent. Averaging 16 points, 3 assists, and 3 rebounds to start off the season.
X Factor: Mason Belcher Mason Belcher 6'4" | PF Maize | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’7 F: Took a big leap this spring and Summer running with MoKan and his ability to play inside/out gives Maize a great presence from the 4/5 spot who can stretch the floor. Averaging 7 points, 8 rebounds, and over a block a game to start the season. Has not shot it as well as he can from 3 yet, once he gets going it gives Maize a whole new element.
Name to Watch: Avery Johnson Avery Johnson 6'2" | CG Maize | 2023 KS , 2023, 6’3 G: Johnson is as electric on the basketball floor as he is on the football field and his play especially in transition can lead to big momentum swings and energy for his squad. The well balanced Maize attack and unselfishness of the team keep some guys from eye popping numbers but Johnson can absolutely GO. Averaging 8 points and 3.3 steals per game to start the year.
#2 Andover
MVP: Eli Shetlar Eli Shetlar 6'4" | SG Andover | 2023 State KS , 2022, 6’5 G: Playing at an extremely high level to start the season off, one of the elite shooters in the state has developed himself into a great all around combo guard on both ends of the floor. Through 4 games is averaging 18.3 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 2 assists per game while shooting an insane, 57% percent from the field.
X Factor: Chris Harris Chris Harris 6'6" | SF Andover | 2023 State KS , 2023, 6’7 F: His ability to be their do it all forward/wing wil lpay huge dividends for them in big games. Harris can stretch the floor and knock down the 3, push in transition, fly for oops, and guard both on the perimeter and in the painted area. Averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds, and almost 2 blocks per game to start.
Name to Watch: BJ Redic BJ Redic 6'2" | SF Andover | 2023 State KS , 2023, 6’3 G: Like Harris being their do it all forward, Redic is the do it all guard. Gets after it on the defensive end of the floor and is tremendous in transition. Gets downhill and plays very well with the ball in his hands. Is always getting steals and deflections. Averaging 12 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game.
#3 Blue Valley Southwest
MVP: Jinwoo Kim Jinwoo Kim 6'1" | PG Blue Valley Southwest | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’3 G: Is tremendous wit the ball in his hands and a playmaker not only for himself but for his teammates. He can score in bunches and from all 3 levels as highlighted by his 51% from the field and 45% from 3 shooting. Averaging 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game this season.
X-Factor: Sebastian Hamm Sebastian Hamm 6'2" | PG Blue Valley Southwest | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’1 G: Hamm and Kim make a great tandem in the backcourt as both can play both on and off the ball allowing the other some freedom to roam and come off screens to make plays. Hamm distributes the ball well and is a high level shooter. Shooting 50% from the field and 40% from 3 averaging 14 points per game.
Name(s) To Watch: The Schwieger Brothers Carson Schwieger and Cooper Schwieger Cooper Schwieger 6'3" | PF Blue Valley Southwest | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’8/6’9 Fs: The brother tandem has been tremendous this season being physical in the paint on both ends, running the floor, setting screens, and finishing at a high clip. Combined to average over 24 points and 15 rebounds per game.
#4 Basehor-Linwood
MVP: Trevor Mcbride Trevor Mcbride 6'2" | CG Basehor Linwood | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’2 PG: One of the more complete point guards in 5A, as he can distribute the ball at a high level for assists and is a hockey assist specialist with his high basketball IQ. Has become much more aggressive and can score the ball off the bounce, coming off screens, and as a spot up shooter of the basketball. Already has a 10 point and 10 assist double double on the year.
X-Factor Ty Hofer Ty Hofer 6'4" | SF Basehor-Linwood | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’4 G/W: Is a top 5A shooter of the basketball but has to continue to find full season consistency. This is his year to show that and he is off to a solid start. Hofer’s ability to knock down shots off kick outs and in transition gives them a big weapon and he is underrated in running the lanes and finishing in transition. Good defender and rebounder as well.
Name to Watch: Tyson Ruud Tyson Ruud 6'5" | SF Basehor-Linwood | 2023 State KS , 2023, 6’5 W: A name for Basehor that should continue to rise up the ranks and notoriety lists in Kansas with his extended playing time this year. An athletic monster on the wing who has developed a nice catch and shoot 3 ball that allows him to stretch the floor. Is a high flyer in transition and could be a really good on ball wing defender.
#5 Kapaun Mt Carmel
MVP: Will Anciaux Will Anciaux 6'6" | PF Kapaun Mt Carmel | 2023 State KS , 2023, 6’6 W/F: One of the best wing/forward hybrids in the 2023 class is off to a tremendous start for 3-1 Kapaun. Is a long armed athlete that takes up a ton of space and plays very aggressively on both ends of the floor. Nearing double double averages with 15 points and 8 rebounds per game to start the season. His ceiling is through the roof.
X-Factor: Henry Thengvall Henry Thengvall 6'5" | PF Kapaun Mt. Carmel | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’5 W: Thengvall like his brothers is a solid all around basketball player. Get’s positioning, where to be on the floor, and how to attack and make plays on offense. Being a dynamic tandem with Anciaux could take them to some big things this season. He locates reall well on the perimeter and knocks down the three ball well. Averaging 14 points and 4.5 rebounds per.
Name to Watch: Teagan Charles Teagan Charles 6'5" | SF Kapaun | 2024 State KS , 2024, 6’5 F: A young forward prospect with a ton of potential on the high school scene. His growth physically and skill wise throughout the year could be huge down the stretch for his team. He has a solid handle, can create off the bounce, and is super versatile. He is someone who can be plugged in for some minutes at every position.
#6 Highland Park
MVP: Ketraleus Aldridge Ketraleus Aldridge 6'4" | SF Highland Park | 2023 State KS , 2023, 6’4 W: Has been on a tear to start the season off, scoring the ball at a high clip both moving without the basketball and creating off the bounce. Has a game winning put back in as well along with multiple 25 pt scoring efforts. Has shot is from the perimeter at a solid clip too which is just an added bonus for the athletic wing talent.
X-Factor: Juan’Tario Roberts Juan’Tario Roberts 5'10" | CG Highland Park | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’3 PG: Gives them a much needed scoring punch from the backcourt, and his craftyness with the ball allows him to attack the paint, get in gaps, and make plays at the rim, in the pull up jumper game, and dishing to cutters or shooters. Is a guard who is not afraid of big moments and big games and can take over down the stretch.
Name to Watch: Tre Richardson, 2023, 5’9 G: Is a rising name on the football field but is one on the basketball court a well, especially in the Centennial League. Plays with great pace with the ball in his hands, can cause stress on defenses with his speed off the bounce, and is one of the premier defenders in the league.
#7 Andover Central
MVP: Kobe Smith Kobe Smith 6'1" | CG Andover Central | 2023 State KS , 2023, 6’1 PG: Could be playing the best basketball of any point guard in the state of Kansas to start the season off. His electricity he brings to each game has been apparent, and his ball handling, change of pace, and downhill creativity have been the difference in ball games. Averaging 25 points, 3.7 rebounds, and a couple steals per game.
X-Factor: Skyler Clevenger Skyler Clevenger 6'1" | SG Andover Central | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’1 G: His 44% shooting from the 3 point line and his ability to move without the ball into open areas makes him a great pairing with Kobe Smith Kobe Smith 6'1" | CG Andover Central | 2023 State KS , as he has 7 made threes in 3 games this year. Averaging 14 points per game and has rebounded well from the guard spot at 4 rebounds per game. A very active defender as well.
Name to Watch: Brian Perry Jr Brian Perry Jr 6'3" | SG Andover Central | 2023 State KS . , 2023, 6’4 G: Just knows how to fit in to a roster and do what is needed of him. His game both on the grassroots scene and high school level can morph into a variety of play styles which shows how versatile he is. Great wing player who will help this team win some games, averaging 5 rebounds and 9.8 rebounds per game while snagging 2.3 steals per game as well.
#8 Maize South
MVP: Michael Kates Michael Kates 5'9" | PG Maize South | 2024 State KS , 2024, 5’9 PG: The young point guard has shown early on he is ready to lead South the a big time season. Has a ton of time to grow his game and physically, but right now he already has the goods to lead a back court. Averaging 11 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals per game. Will a point guard at the top of the class for his entire career.
X-Factor: Isaiah Atwater Isaiah Atwater 5'8" | PG Maize South | 2023 State KS , 2023, 5’11 PG: As one of the older impact players on the roster as only a junior, Atwater’s experience and playmaking ability will be key for South this season. Atwater is a gamer and isn’t afraid of big spots and to go get a bucket or create off the bounce for a teammate. Averaging over 8 points and 5 assists per game.
Name to Watch: Owen Cline, 2022, 6’3 W: A prime senior leader and impact player for South. His ability to move off the ball and be ready to knock down shots or finish on cuts will be pivotal for South this season with the dynamic younger guards making plays. Cline is a steady all around player on both ends of the floor and plays with great energy. Averaging 7 points and 8.7 rebounds per game.
#9 Hays
MVP: Jace Linenberger Jace Linenberger 6'7" | C Hays | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’7 F: One of the best pure posts in the top 10 rankings. Great size, footwork, and finishing ability make him a great player in the painted area and his soft touch allow him the ability to make some plays in the mid range game. Has been a near double double machine for the last couple of seasons now. Averaging 18 points and 8.3 rebounds per game on 52% shooting from the field.
X-Factor: Wesley Oakley, 2022, 6’4 G: A great role player for a loaded Hays team. Does a little bit of everything a team would want from a off ball guard. Can defend out on the perimeter and has toughness to switch and guard some 4’s. Makes plays such as taking charges, offensive rebounds, and makes the right pass. Averaging 6 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 steals per game.
Name to Watch: Carson Kieffer Carson Kieffer 6'1" | PG Hays | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’1 PG: A hard nosed point guard who has contributed to a ton of winning over his career. Makes a ton of plays for himself and others and is at his best in big moments. Great leader in the back court and knows how to get his guys great opportunities to be successful. Averaging 8.8 points, 5.3 assists, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.3 steals per game.
#10 St James Academy
MVP: Sam Somerhalder Sam Somerhalder 6'7" | SF St. James Academy | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’9 W: A versatile and dynamic wing player who took a big leap in recruitment and stock rising this past summer and it has carried over into the early season. Pushing the ball in transition and running the wings and catching to attack are some of his best areas but his game in the half court is big time now as well. Has made a living attacking the paint and playing off offensive rebounds this season. Averaging 18.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2 assists, and a blocked shot per game.
X-Factor: Garrett Lynch Garrett Lynch 6'4" | SF St. James | 2022 State KS , 2022, 6’5 F: Has started off a little slow this season, but Lynch provides a physical punch to this roster, and although the scoring and finishing has been down a little, the rebounding production and high level defense are still there. As he comes around on the offensive end throughout the season expect St James to take a leap. Averaging 3.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.25 assists per game.
Name to Watch: Brian Hawthorne Brian Hawthorne 6'2" | PG St. James | 2023 State KS , 2023, 6’3 PG: Has risen as one of my favorite point guards to watch in the last two years, and now that he has the keys to the back court, is showing he is primed to be a big time point guard in the state. Has a high IQ, plays tough with the ball in his hands, and makes big time shots. Averaging 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game this season and shooting 41% from 3.