2024 Top Players by School Classification (5A)

<p>The brand new 2024 rankings puts the top players from the class into an initial pecking order. Expect lots of movement over the next couple of years as these guys step into the spotlight and show what they can do.</p> <p>The size classification with the largest number of ranked 2024s is a tie between 6A and 5A with eight. Not surprisingly, a big group of the ranked 2024s comes from the Wichita area. Players who contributed at big schools as ninth graders got strong consideration.</p> <p>That list is just the beginning of the quality found in the 2024 class. Here are some of the 2024s we expect to make an impact on the 5A classification:</p> <p>3 [player_tooltip player_id="1172929" first="Michael" last="Kates"], 5-foot-9 point guard, Maize South HS:</p> <p>After a really impressive rookie year as the point guard for Collegiate, Kates is going to join reloading Maize South team for his sophomore year. The Mavericks lost team leaders <strong>Javan Buchanan</strong> and [player_tooltip player_id="889510" first="Parker" last="Scott"]. Kates’ steady hand on the wheel could really help Maize South go places this year. He’s got great vision and sets up teammates well. He can distribute in both half-court and transition action. And he can create his own shot anytime he wants.</p> <p>5 [player_tooltip player_id="1173415" first="Jeron" last="Askren"], 6-foot-3 shooting guard, Maize South HS:</p> <p>Kates’ running mate with Team Buddy Buckets KS and now at Maize South, Askren is a knockdown shooter. He was really impressive as a ninth grader, contributing 5.5. points and 2.8 assists. Askren hit multiple 3’s in several contests last year, peaking with a 20-point effort against Dodge City. Askren showed he can rebound and play tough defense with TBB this summer.</p> <p>7 [player_tooltip player_id="1270268" first="David" last="Cobin"], 5-foot-8 point guard, Desoto HS:</p> <p>Without the benefit of any varsity action, Cobin had to prove himself to Prep Hoops scouts during the summer. And did he ever. He might have been the most impressive pure point guard among the 2024s. Cobin led the KC Spurs with a steady handle, great vision, and an understanding of how to break down a defense. He’s a solidly built guard who can blow by a defender, muscle his way through a crowd, and make plays in traffic. We’ll see if he can bounce back from a summer injury to get on the varsity court this fall at Desoto.</p> <p>9 [player_tooltip player_id="1270272" first="Kale" last="Staats"], 6-foot-1 combo guard, Aquinas HS:</p> <p>Staats was thrown right into the action as a ninth grader and held his own. He averaged 3.5 points, 1.2 rebounds and 0.6 assists in a supporting role. He built on that experience by really developing during a summer with Run GMC. He showed he can defend multiple positions. If he can continue this growth curve, Staats will be an emerging varsity player this year.</p> <p>10 and 11 [player_tooltip player_id="1270287" first="Will" last="Thengvall"] and [player_tooltip player_id="1270288" first="Nate" last="Thengvall"], 6-foot-3 wings, Kapaun HS:</p> <p>Both Thengvalls were key contributors to the Team Buddy Buckets KS 15U club this summer. Will got a little more varsity action than his brother last season. Both will be ready to contribute to that loaded squad this year. They both bring a ton of versatility, length, and ability to shoot from the perimeter.</p> <p>Other 2024s expected to impact 5A play this year include:</p> <p>14 [player_tooltip player_id="1270291" first="Carter" last="Coombs"], 5-foot-10 combo guard, Great Bend HS</p> <p>16 [player_tooltip player_id="1270296" first="Mason" last="English"], 6-foot-2 shooting guard, Pittsburg HS</p> <p>24 [player_tooltip player_id="1270303" first="Teagan" last="Charles"], 6-foot-5 small forward, Kapaun HS</p>