Most Outstanding Player Update: 5A

The 5A class is a really fun one to watch. There are intriguing teams and standout players. With a month left, let’s look at some of the top contenders for Most Outstanding Player of 5A.

The Frontrunners:

Ketraleus Aldridge Ketraleus Aldridge 6'4" | SF Highland Park | 2023 State KS – Without question, Aldridge is the top candidate for Most Outstanding Player, not just because of production for a top team, but what he does to fire up his teammates and Highland Park fans. He makes a couple of plays each game that no one else on the court can make. His polished skills can sometimes be overshadowed by his explosiveness. When a guy is rocking two-handed dunks it can be easy to miss that he’s a solid ball handler and passer, a good shooter and an absolute terror on the defensive end.

David Cobin David Cobin 5'10" | PG De Soto | 2024 State #270 Nation KS (pictured) – Cobin lit up the 5A tournament a year ago and has the Wildcats back in the hunt in his junior season. Aside from a one-point loss to Topeka West, DeSoto is undefeated in Kansas. Cobin makes it all go, and he has to score. He’s a slashing, hard-driving point guard who can create his own shot. He’s smooth and confident and a lot of fun to watch.

Kobe Smith Kobe Smith 6'1" | CG Andover Central | 2023 State KS – Smith is certainly one of the most talented players in the class. He has produced at a high clip for the Jaguars, racking up 20 points per game. He’s a slick penetrator and creator in the open floor, and he hits a respectable clip from deep too. Smith has a good supporting cast, but if the Jaguars go far, it will be because of the play of their senior leader.

The Risers:

Brian Hawthorne Brian Hawthorne 6'2" | PG St. James | 2023 State KS – This guy has totally blown up as a senior. St. James is always tough in playoff time, and Hawthorne will lead them if they go far. He’s making an argument for Most Outstanding Player with some high scoring outings against top competition. He gets it done at all three levels, draws a ton of fouls, rebounds and dishes out a ton of assists. His stat line makes him one of the top players in 5A: 22 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 steals per game.

Will Anciaux Will Anciaux 6'6" | PF Kapaun Mt Carmel | 2023 State KS – Kapaun is a balanced and deep club who can hurt you with a different guy every night. But as Anciaux has rounded into basketball form this season, he is reminding everyone why just a year ago he was Prep Hoops Kansas’ top ranked player in the 2023 class. He’s averaging about 15 points and 8 rebounds to lead the Crusaders.

The Sneakers:

Garrett Robertson Garrett Robertson 5'10" | PG Hutchinson | 2023 State KS – Hutchinson is rolling and looks to contend for a title with a balanced attack. But every once in a while, Robertson reminds what he can do by busting out for a big game. He’s a crafty ball handler and distributor. But it’s when he gets rolling from deep that he really stands out. He’s one of the finest shooters from behind the arc in the state. He’s thrived having Terrell King Terrell King 5'8" | PG Hutchinson | 2025 State KS at the point this year. That allows Robertson to run without the ball to hunt shots and distort defenses.

Mason English Mason English 6'2" | SG Pittsburg | 2024 State KS – Pittsburg lurks outside the 5A rankings, but they will be dangerous come post season. If you’re looking for a 5A player who amasses impressive stats, English is your guy. He is a born scorer and averages about 26 points per game as a junior. His range knows no limits, and he’s a physical player who can body his way to a bucket in traffic. Watch for the Dragons to make noise and for English to impress when the lights shine bright.