Room at the Top – Candidates for 6A All-State

Prep Hoops Staff

June 26, 2023 @ 09:27 PM

One of the beauties of high school sports is that, with every graduating class, a new crop of players steps into the spotlight. The seniors who dominate the all-state teams move on, leaving room at the top for some younger studs to take their places.   A few returners will likely repeat on the 6A all-state teams, starting with rising seniors [player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams'], [player_tooltip player_id='1378439' first='Zaxton' last='King'], [player_tooltip player_id='1270094' first='Andrell' last='Burton'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1461338' first='Joey' last='Matteoni'], and junior [player_tooltip player_id='1588338' first='Carter' last='Kaifes'].   Here's our best guess of who will claim a spot on 6A all-state teams next spring (in alphabetical order):   [player_tooltip player_id='1962884' first='Nic' last='Anderson'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2025, Olathe South:   This guy was the highest new entrant in the Prep Hoops Kansas rankings of the 2025 class, zooming all the way to the 6 spot in the list. He seized his opportunity in the Olathe South lineup and showed he can make plays at every level. He was effective in the paint and moving without the ball, but he often had the ball in his hands at the point to trigger the offense. He can create off the bounce and score off catches in the lane. He averaged 19 points per game and was voted first team in the Sunflower League.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588350' first='Parker' last='Hardgrave'], 6-foot-8 center, 2025, Wichita South:   One of the top centers in the state, Hardgrave may just make a big leap in his production next season. He turned in 11 points and 6 rebounds as a sophomore, but is capable of dominating a game. He works hard on the block and running the floor, and he finishes with power. His efficiency showed in his 56% shooting from the field and he should be the focal point of a team returning a lot of talent.   [player_tooltip player_id='1580478' first='TJ' last='Porter'], 5-foot-7 guard, 2024, Olathe North:   Leading your team to the state tournament in back-to-back seasons deserves more credit that Porter has received thus far. Porter is an incredibly disruptive force at both ends of the floor. He gets all over opposing ball handlers and causes them fits. He uses his low center of gravity and power to force his way past defenders just like he blows through holes on the football field. The Eagles lose some backcourt contributors, so Porter may join his teammate [player_tooltip player_id='1402310' first='Jaalan' last='Watson'] in garnering all-state consideration.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588348' first='Keaton' last='Wagler'], 6-foot-3 guard, 2025, Shawnee Mission Northwest:   His team will be loaded, so it may be tough for Wagler to stand out for the Cougars as a junior. But this guy has so much potential as a scorer, he may elevate his 12 points per game. He's a long, athletic wing who can handle the ball, slash to the goal, shoot it from anywhere, and rise up for shots in the midrange.   [player_tooltip player_id='1588339' first='Amalachi' last='Wilkins'], 6-foot-7 center, 2025, Wichita Heights (pictured):   Wilkins added to his game as a sophomore and there's no reason to believe he won't add more as a junior. He's intimidatingly long and athletic. He's a terror at the back of the Falcons' defense. He showed more offense facing the goal, using his jumper and attacking with the bounce. The Falcons lose point guard Marcus Zeigler and lots of role players, so while they return [player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams'], the opportunity should be there for Wilkins to up his usage.

One of the beauties of high school sports is that, with every graduating class, a new crop of players steps into the spotlight. The seniors who dominate the all-state teams move on, leaving room at the top for some younger studs to take their places.