Numbers 21-25 of the 2026 Class Ranking Revealed
In this article:
We’re rolling through bios of all 30 players named in the initial 2026 rankings. Here’s the fifth group – players ranked 21 through 25 for the Class of 2026: Ayden McGibboney Ayden McGibboney 6'3" | SF Blue Valley Northwest |…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWe’re rolling through bios of all 30 players named in the initial 2026 rankings.
Here’s the fifth group – players ranked 21 through 25 for the Class of 2026:
Ayden McGibboney Ayden McGibboney 6'3" | SF Blue Valley Northwest | 2026 State KS , 6-foot-3 small forward, 2026, Blue Valley Northwest:
The rich get richer. The 6A state champion Huskies add another long, physical two-sport athlete to their program in McGibboney. He has some guard skills but the size and toughness to play on the frontline. His previous school – Hayden – will sorely miss the smart, versatile, team-first player who provided so much in every facet of the game as a freshman. It will be interesting to see how McGibboney can mesh with all the talent at Blue Valley Northwest.
Gavin Popik Gavin Popik 6'0" | CG Olathe Northwest | 2026 State KS , 6-foot combo guard, 2026, Olathe Northwest:
A versatile guard who stepped in to make a nice contribution as a freshman, Popik has a lot of talent that didn’t necessarily show out in his first season. He’s a smart perimeter player who will be a better perimeter shooter than he showed in his initial role. He can make plays on the bounce, attacking defense in transition and from the perimeter. He has size, toughness and skill. Watch for him to really increase the 3 points and 2 rebounds he chipped in in his first season.
Kelan Gruver Kelan Gruver 6'2" | CG Chapman | 2026 State KS , 6-foot combo guard, 2026, Chapman:
Leading scorer for Chapman and state honorable mention recipient as a freshman, Gruver stepped in when his team needed him. He’s a playmaker at both ends, creating a lot of steals and disruption on defense. With the ball, he can hit from deep, attack and dish or hit tough shots on the bounce. He averaged 11 points per game, one of the highest scoring averages in the state by a freshman.
Cooper Crawford Cooper Crawford 6'6" | PF Lansing | 2026 State KS , 6-foot-6 power forward, 2026, Lansing:
This guy really popped during the summer running with the KC Spurs . He has a rare combination of size, strength, skill and athleticism. He has yet to really make an impact at Lansing, but we loved his performance over the summer to ignore it in the rankings. He loves to drive from the wing and make plays on penetration. He can play above the crowd and make plays in transition.
Ontarius Emmot Ontarius Emmot 6'3" | SF Shawnee Heights | 2026 State KS , 6-foot-3 small forward, 2026, Shawnee Heights (pictured):
Emmot got his feet wet with the Shawnee Heights varsity last year. Then he impressed over the summer, leading us to believe he is ready for much more this winter. He is a force in the lane at both ends because of his size and athleticism. He can blow by defenders on the dribble and rise up for jumpers, which he can hit at a variety of angles. He goes hard to the glass and runs the floor, giving energy at all times. He is a team-first, versatile guy who could probably play every spot on the floor if needed.