Ranked 2026s Producing for Top 6A Schools

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>This week we updated the ranking of the 2026 class. Midway through the season, we see some of the ranked sophomores playing key roles for some of the state's top teams.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Here are five sophomores playing important roles for ranked 6A schools (listed in order of the team's ranking by the Kansas Basketball Coaches Association):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] (ranked #23 in the class), 5-foot-10 guard, 2026, Wichita Heights:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>We became big fans of Timmons' abilities during the summer season. He's an electric scorer at every level, with no fear to step up to a challenge. The Falcons are the top-ranked team in 6A, and they are loaded with veteran talent. So it's significant to see Timmons slide into a supportive role. He's scored in double-figures six times this year, but he is also providing some ball handling and distribution, rebounding and defense. To win a title, you need guys to play versatile, unselfish roles. Timmons can be a big part of the Falcons' success.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2209778' first='Ethan' last='Taylor'] (ranked #1 in the class), 7-foot center, 2026, Shawnee Mission Northwest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nipping at the heels of Wichita Heights in 6A is #2-ranked Shawnee Mission Northwest. Taylor is a unique player in the state and thus he gives the Cougars a special weapon. He is a rim protector like none other in Kansas who is developing into a more well-rounded post player. He's in a rare position where he doesn't have to carry his team. There's a ton of talent around him. But make no mistake, Taylor will likely wind up the most highly-recruited player in the class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] (ranked #22 in the class), 6-foot-3 forward, 2026, Blue Valley Northwest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>There was a question just how McGibboney would make the transition from 3A Hayden to the 6A Huskies. But he appears to be finding his spot both on the football field and the basketball court as a sophomore. Of course, the #3 team in 6A has a lot of talent, yet McGibboney is an important piece so far. With his size, skill and athleticism he can be a Swiss Army knife who plays just about anywhere on the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2327576' first='Darrian' last='Hammond'] (ranked #34 in the class), 6-foot guard, 2026, Wichita Northwest:</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The #5 ranked team in 6A is also relying heavily on a sophomore. The Grizzlies returned a group of dynamic guards. To insert Hammond into the rotation just makes them all the more deep and dangerous. Since he's not the lead dog, his scoring numbers can be a little bit inconsistent, but that comes with the territory. He's hitting a nice percentage from deep and posing a scoring threat while also helping out with the ball handling and other responsibilities.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>[player_tooltip player_id='2209782' first='Lovell' last='Autry'] (ranked #10 in the class) 5-foot-7 guard, 2026, Junction City (pictured):</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Junction City blasted out of the gate and is ranked #9 in 6A even after taking a couple of losses. Autry is the bouncy, slashing point guard who can provide the Blue Jays points by getting to the bucket in a flash or by catching and shooting from the perimeter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->