Most Outstanding Player Candidates: 6A

Who are the players who will stand out individually and lead their teams to the top of 6A?

The Frontrunners:

TJ Williams TJ Williams 6'4" | SG Wichita Heights | 2024 State #154 Nation KS , 6-foot-5 forward, 2024, Wichita Heights:

Williams is back at Wichita Heights after a short trip through Sunrise Academy. His return wasn’t assured. Now that he’s back, he should be considered the frontrunner as the top player in the 2024 class. There will be some more shots and rebounds available this year, and particularly Williams may be called on to guard more in the paint. The only drawback to his candidacy: he’s not necessarily a guy who posts huge stats.

Grant Stubblefield Grant Stubblefield 6'2" | PG Blue Valley Northwest | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 guard, 2023, Blue Valley Northwest (pictured):

Stubblefield went on a roll at the state tournament to lead the Huskies to the finals. He’s a warrior and a point guard who can take a game over offensively. His team should be really good again, and he will be the conductor of the orchestra, so he’s a candidate for Most Outstanding Player.

Andrell Burton Andrell Burton 6'4" | SG Campus | 2024 State KS , 6-foot-5 forward, 2024, Campus:

Burton has the game and the physical tools to be a frontrunner. His team will rely heavily on him, which means he may rack up some big stats. Burton played the supporting role on a state champion as a freshman, and now it’s his turn to lead. Stats are one thing. Wins and losses will determine if Burton is the Most Outstanding Player in 6A.

The Outsiders:

Marcus Zeigler Jr Marcus Zeigler Jr 6'2" | PG Wichita Heights | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-2 guard, 2023, Wichita Heights:

Zeigler led his team to the state title. That alone puts him in the running for Most Outstanding Player. He’s a brilliant distributor and leader and he can score. The problem with his candidacy is that there’s a lot of talent around him, which may keep his stats down. But as a great point guard knows, it’s not about the stats. It’s about the wins. Zeigler is out for the wins.

Jack Bachelor Jack Bachelor 6'0" | CG Washburn Rural | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-1 guard, 2023, Washburn Rural:

Bachelor is not a guy who will impress with highlight plays, nor will he probably turn in enormous stats. But if Washburn Rural is going to have a good season, it will be largely because of Bachelor’s leadership and production. He can do some of everything, and he has developed into a smart leader and play maker.

Jack Wilson Jack Wilson 6'6" | C Manhattan | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-6 center, 2023, Manhattan:

Williams and Burton are big men who make their living on the perimeter and in the open court. Wilson, on the other hand, is a big who stands out in the paint. He can stretch defenses by moving and scoring in the midrange and perimeter, but he dominates on the glass and in the post. If Manhattan has a good season, Wilson will lead the way.

The Surprise Candidates:

Will Mlynek Will Mlynek 6'9" | C Free State | 2023 State KS , 6-foot-9 center, 2023, Free State:

Mlynek transferred to Free State for his senior year, and it remains to be seen how quickly he can adjust to his new surroundings, and how quickly his team adjusts to his unique game. He’s an enormous guy who loves to shoot from the perimeter. He has the potential to be a matchup nightmare and game changer if turned loose. But it will require Free State to embrace that style of play.