6A KBCA Rankings Top 10: Key Players

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 teams during the 2021-2022 Campaign. Today’s venture will be on the 6A rankings from December 14th.   #1 Free State MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="891899" first="Mozae" last="Downing-Rivers"], 2022, 6’4 PG: One of the premier back court players in the state of Kansas across classifications and a consistent stat sheet stuffer is back for one more run at it. Is a great leader in the back court and plays the game with great composure and pace. Controls basketball games. With a loaded roster anything near his 7 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game numbers from last year will take them far. X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id="891903" first="Cooper" last="Jackson"], 2022, 5’11 PG: His ability to take away another teams best guard with his ability to guard will help Free State in huge games down the stretch and throughout the season. Is a solid playmaker with the ball and has become a really reliable shot maker moving on the perimeter. Name to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id="952433" first="Jordan" last="Brown"], 2022, 6’4 G: The Emporia State commit is a name a lot of eyes were on heading into the season after transferring over to Free State. Is a prime shot maker especially from 3 and can get going in an instant. Has already hit a couple of huge shots for Free State this season including a dagger 3 against ranked 5A powerhouse Hays.   #2 Blue Valley West MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="1075924" first="Jack" last="Ratigan"], 2022, 6’6 F: One of the more versatile stretch 4 players in Kansas, Ratigan has really played at an efficient level this season. Overall Blue Valley West is much improved and Ratigan is able to make more plays for others as well as attack with his dynamic game. Has not really got going from 3 yet this year but the larger sample size shows us he is a terrific shooter. Averaging 12 points, 8 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 3 blocks per game. X-Factor: Quentin Robertson, 2023, 5’11 G: Is a knockdown shooter that opens up a lot of driving lanes for Ratigan and his teammates. Shoots it at a high clip in a variety of ways and his ability to stretch defenses out could make a massive differences in games this season. Currently averaging 9 points a game on 42% from 3. Name to Watch: Gage Roach, 2022, 6’2 W: A tough nosed two way player that brings a punch for Blue Valley West. Is shooting a whopping 60% from the field so far this year and averaging 11.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Great on both the football field and basketball court.   # 3 Blue Valley North MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="1131273" first="Kernan" last="Bundy"], 2022, 6’3 G: The explosive athletic defensive minded guard from the state champs a year ago has rounded out into a complete guard. He exploded this summer, and it has carried over into a scorching start. Shooting the ball really well from the field, is still tremendous in transition, and is getting down hill in the half court game as well. Averaging 18 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game this year and still upwards of 1.5 steals per game. X-Factor: Jaxon Goldberg, 2023, 6’ G: Has come on nicely this season and provided a nice perimeter compliment to Bundy and our "Name to Watch" JD Roane this season for BVN. Has hit 3 of 6 from the 3 point line and averaging 8.5 points per game. Also averaging over 4 rebounds and 2 assists per game, giving them a little bit of everything. Name to Watch: JD Roane, 2022, 6’1 G: The BVN player I was most intrigued this season to get a bump in usage rate and minutes from the state title team, Roane has been really solid to start the season. Just a solid all around guard who fills a bunch of roles very nicely. Averaging 7.5 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 3.8 assists per game.   #4 Lawrence MVP: Zaxton King, 2024, 6’2 G: Filling in just fine after the departure Zeke Mayo, showing that he is one of the best players in the class of 2024 in Kansas. King has been taking over games with his ability to score the basketball and put pressure on defenses. Is a three level scorer with a great handle and finishes at a high level in and around the rim. Averaging 19 points, 4.75 rebounds, and 2.25 assists per game in only his sophomore season. X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id="1139919" first="Pearse" last="Long"], 2022, 6’5 W: Long’s play and ability to shoot the ball will be important for Lawrence as they progress throughout the year. Being that complimentary wing scorer and a versatile defender could be the key for Lawrence as they shoot for big goals. Averaging 11.3 points and 7 rebounds per game. Name to Watch: Avion Nelson, 2022, 6’2 W: One of the big time athletes for Lawrence. Covers a ton of floor space, makes a bunch of plays on the wing and rebounding the basketball, and can be a great defender on a variety of positions. Averaging 6 points and 3 rebounds per game for Lawrence so far this year and is serving his role as a key role player perfectly to start.   # 5 Olathe South MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="1195608" first="Corbin" last="Dozier"], 2022, 6’5 W: Dozier is a long stretch 4 wing hybrid player that does a little bit of everything for Olathe South. Can shoot the ball at a high level especially coming off screens and in the catch and shoot game. Is really long and can defend the painted area with his length and finish put backs inside. X-Factor: Miles McGriff, 2022, 5’10 PG: Has the potential and has shown at times to have great command in the back court running the show. With Luke Williams graduated, McGriff’s ability to be that play making point guard and influence the game will be a big deciding factor on Olathe South’s season. Has played well in his last two games. Name to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id="1270298" first="Josiah" last="Polynice"], 2024, 5’11 PG: By years end has a chance to be one of their best players and continue to be one of our top ranked 2024 prospects in Kansas. He is a gifted guard with playmaking ability for himself and others. Gets into gaps off the bounce, controls tempo, and can get to his spots to knock down shots.   #6 Dodge City MVP: Cooper Scheck, 2022, 6’ G: An All Conference player last year, Scheck is looking to lea a very well balanced squad from Dodge City. An efficient scorer who picks his spots and takes high quality looks from the floor. Averaged about 9 points per game last season and expect to see that jump up this year as he has already recorded a 24 point game with 8 made threes. X- Factor: Enrique Chavez, 2022, 5’11 G: A multi sport athlete and very competitive guard. Brings his speed and quickness on the defensive end of the floor and guards his tail off. Plays quick in transition and can get his team great looks pushing tempo. Name to Watch: Dawson Taylor, 2022, 6’3 G: A strong wing player who is shooting the 3 ball at a solid level, plays physical on the basketball floor, and plays with a high basketball IQ. Is in gaps on the defensive end, pokes his hand in for steals, and is strong enough to switch and play physical with guys in the post. Keeps his head up pushing in transition and makes great reads to find open teammates.   #7 Shawnee Mission South MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="1142735" first="Harrison" last="Hughes"], 2022, 5’10 PG: Packs a ton of scoring punch in his frame and has a quick burst mixed with a shifty handle to create shots on the floor. Does a good job of getting separation, squeezing by defenders, and scoring in a variety of ways. Dropped 20 in a huge win over Shawnee Mission Northwest and their loaded back court last week. X-Factor: Zeph Clark, 2023, 6’4 W: Has come on strong this season for South, the junior wing has been scoring at a high clip and brings South some versatility on the perimeter. Can handle the ball some, attacks in straight lines well, and can finish on drives. Has multiple 15+ scoring games on the year. Name to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id="1186775" first="William" last="Keech"], 2022, 6’2 G: Has played really solid this season so far from the guard spot. Shown the ability to come off screens, catch, and attack the rim. Made big time plays in the big matchup with SMNW including a nice euro step around a defender for a finish. Uses ball screens well getting into the painted area and making the right read. Has a really nice change of pace as well.   #8 Shawnee Mission Northwest MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="891904" first="Damare" last="Smith"], 2022, 5’11 PG: A dynamic playmaker from the point guard spot, and one of the best scorers of the basketball from the point guard position in Kansas. Can be a volume scorer but when he gets rolling he is hard to keep from getting to his spots and getting quality looks. Can make all the passes as well, off ball screens, leading guys into layups, and kicking out to the shooters. Averaging 17 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals per game. X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id="1076261" first="Landon" last="Wagler"], 2022, 6’4 W: Wagler is one of SMNW’s most versatile players on the roster. Has quality size, length, and athleticism to really play the 1-4 positions at a high level. Is making a ton of plays all over the floor and his ability to fill a variety of needs makes him a big cog in their engine. Averaging 15 points and 7 rebounds a game so far this year. He’s becoming more physical as well which is an added bonus. Name to Watch: Mike Collins, 2023, 6’4 F: Collins is a rising name across the Kansas City area and he is making a massive statement this season currently averaging a double double to start with 17 points and 10 rebounds per game on the stat line. He gives SMNW a massive physical presence inside and a great screener and rebounder to go along with their dynamic guard play. He is shooting almost 60% from the field as well.   #9 Wichita Heights MVP: [player_tooltip player_id="1080161" first="Marcus" last="Zeigler"], 2023, 6’ PG (Pictured): The point guard and conductor of a young and talented train over at Witchita Heights. Zeigler controls tempo really well, has a tremendous handle with very little wasted dribbles, has a vast finishing package, and can knock down perimeter shots. At around 3 assists per game, he gets his talented teammates some solid looks and is fun to watch push the break. Averaging 14 points per game and 4 rebounds as well. X-Factor: [player_tooltip player_id="1075925" first="Chase" last="Harris"], 2022, 6’1 G: One of the lone impact seniors who is tasked with leading this young core of talent. His defensive pressure he applies on the ball, help side rotations, and flying through gaps to get steals really sets the tone for his squad. His handle and transition ability meshes well with his defense, and he flies around the basketball court. Averaging 9.3 points, 2 assists, 4.5 rebounds, and 3 steals per game. Name to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id="1270090" first="TJ" last="Williams"], 2024, 6’4 SG: Williams is living up to his expectations to start the year, averaging 8.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists per game. Williams is a prime talent and after having a great summer with Run, has come and contributed right away with Heights. He is an athletic and long 2 guard with the ability to play some point. Using screens, attacking downhill, and getting to his pull up jumper are parts of his game that pop.   #10 Blue Valley Northwest MVP(s): [player_tooltip player_id="952448" first="Joey" last="Robinson"], 2022, 6’1 G and Grant Stubblefield, 2023, 6’1 G: These two guards will combine to help replace the now Oklahoma point guard Alston Mason. Robinson plays with a ton of poise and energy on the floor and can shoot the ball at a solid clip. His expanded role has seen him to be more of a creator as well and really good defender. Robinson’s Basketball IQ shines as well with his play making. Stubblefield brings a more physical presence in the back court and someone who can get in the painted area off the bounce to put pressure on defenses. Also rebounds it well for a guard. X-Factor: Landon Braun, 2023, 6’6 F: Another great Braun to come through Blue Valley Northwest, Landon is a physical and athletic 4 man that has great hands catching the ball on the move and finishing with either hand or going up and dunking it. Can guard perimeter and post players with his solid footwork and when fed in the post has a solid array of moves with his back to the basket. A double double per game type of player. Name to Watch: [player_tooltip player_id="1268854" first="Ryan" last="Robertson"], 2023, 6’5 W: Roberson has come on in their last game with a 14 point and 9 rebound performance after being quiet to start the year. Has the tool to be a very good two way wing player especially as he continues to develop his perimeter shooting. Him and Braun should make a really solid defensive tandem throughout the year, and keep an eye on Roberson’s offensive game really taking off like it has recently.