Ranked 2025s Leading Top Big School Programs

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Normally you think of seniors leading the best programs in the state. But some of the best teams in Kansas are frequently led by juniors. This year is no different. Some of the top ranked teams in the big school classes are led by 2025s.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are some juniors providing leadership to teams experiencing success:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#1 [player_tooltip player_id='1588338' first='Carter' last='Kaifes'], 6-foot-6 forward, 2025, Mill Valley - Ranked #6 in 6A:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mill Valley looked to be loaded with talent this season, and Kaifes is the ringleader. He was slow starting from deep, but kept up his scoring pace by being highly efficient in the paint and midrange. He's dominating the glass and getting the ball to teammates efficiently too. The Jaguars have a 6-2 record and are moving up the 6A rankings.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#3 [player_tooltip player_id='1588339' first='Amalachi' last='Wilkins'], 6-foot-7 center, 2025, Wichita Heights – Ranked #1 in 6A:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1270090' first='TJ' last='Williams'] may be the “leader” of the Falcons, but Wilkins is certainly an enormous piece of their success the past three years. He is a monster defender, arguably the most dynamic big man in the state. He blocks shots and terrorizes anyone who comes near him. He runs the floor like few can. And his offensive game continues to expand.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#4 [player_tooltip player_id='1588346' first='Jacorey' last='Robinson'], 6-foot-5 forward, 2025, Highland Park – Ranked #3 in 5A:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Somehow this guys just never seems to get the credit he deserves for all he does for the Scots. But if you read into the results, it reveals how dominant he can be. No team is coming close to the Scots on the scoreboard. When you consider Robinson is essentially the only big man on the team, you see that this guy is locking down the paint and preventing opposing posts from getting going. Robinson is a skilled post and midrange player who can attack the goal and rise up to finish above the crowd. If Highland Park continues to win, Robinson will get the recognition he deserves.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#5 [player_tooltip player_id='1588348' first='Keaton' last='Wagler'], 6-foot-5 guard, 2025, Shawnee Mission Northwest - Ranked #3 in 6A:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Wagler is just one of a handful of leaders on the balanced and deep Cougar team. His stats don't wow you because of that depth. But make no mistake, Wagler is a talent. He's getting Division I offers and for good reason. He shoots with laser-like efficiency from deep, has the length to make plays over opponents and has the athleticism to run and jump with anyone. It will be very interesting to see if Shawnee Mission Northwest can challenge the dominant teams of 6A – Blue Valley Northwest and Wichita Heights.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>#6 [player_tooltip player_id='1962884' first='Nic' last='Anderson'], 6-foot-3 forward, 2025, Olathe South – Ranked #10 in 6A:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A couple of tough losses have taken some of the shine off the Falcons hot start that included the Blue Valley Tournament championship. But Anderson is certainly impressing with his explosiveness and versatility. Perhaps we shouldn't have him listed as a forward. He's got the handle and playmaking ability to be a guard. But he has spent a lot of time in the paint and on the wing, and his length is a problem whenever he gets going downhill. He is equally dangerous slashing to the rim or letting it fly from deep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->