Breaking Down the Leading 6A Candidates for Player of the Year

In Kansas Class 6A basketball, the level of talent is consistently elite, showcasing some of the best athletes and competitors in the state. Each year, the division features explosive playmakers capable of taking over games, dynamic scorers who can fill up the stat sheet from anywhere on the floor, and versatile two-way players who impact both offense and defense at a high level. In this article, I break down my top six candidates for this season's Player of the Year award — analyzing the unique skills, leadership qualities, and overall impact that make each of them stand out. Additionally, I'll explore how each player can continue to elevate their game and strengthen their case for the honor as the season progresses.   [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] | 6'6" Forward | Junior | Shawnee Mission South   [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] is coming off an impressive sophomore campaign in which he led Shawnee Mission South to a standout season, and he enters this year with the goal of taking the program to new heights as a legitimate state title contender. Kerrigan's game thrives in transition, both offensively and defensively. His versatility, activity, and anticipation allow him to create turnovers and immediately push the pace, turning defensive stops into fast-break opportunities. Once in motion, he can outrun most defenders and finish above the rim with dynamic, crowd-igniting plays.   Kerrigan also excels at controlling momentum. He understands when to attack and how to pick his spots, creating opportunities for himself and energizing his team with timely plays. His high basketball IQ is evident in his defensive awareness — he consistently reads opposing offenses, disrupts schemes, and forces turnovers by anticipating passes and blowing up key actions.   Rebounding is another area where Kerrigan shines. On the defensive glass, he secures rebounds and immediately transitions the team into offense, often creating pressure on the defense with his ability to push the ball solo. Offensively, he attacks the glass with confidence, using controlled tips and strong hands to convert second-chance opportunities.   With his skill set, leadership, and intelligence on the floor, Kerrigan is poised to take the next step this season. If he continues his growth, he has the ability to guide Shawnee Mission South deep into the postseason — with the hope of finishing what his previous teams started and contending for a state championship.   [player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Maize   Already recognized as a premier football recruit, [player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] has the potential to also be one of the top basketball players in Kansas if he takes the court for his senior season. His combination of size, strength, and athleticism makes him a true two-way threat, capable of influencing the game on both ends of the floor.   The first thing that stands out about Myovela is his ability to finish at the rim with power and control. He attacks the basket aggressively, using his strength to absorb contact and elevate over defenders, often creating better scoring opportunities through sheer athleticism and timing. When he gains momentum driving downhill, he becomes particularly dangerous — pressuring defenders, reading defensive rotations, and making precise decisions to either finish or set up teammates in optimal scoring positions.   Defensively, Myovela's presence is just as notable. He disrupts offenses with active hands, creating deflections and forcing turnovers through anticipation and effort. In the paint, he's a formidable rim protector, showcasing excellent timing and explosive leaping ability to block shots and alter attempts at the basket. His two-way contributions allow him to impact the game consistently, whether by stopping opponents or finishing plays at the other end.   Maize has an opportunity to contend for a strong season in 6A, but much of their success will hinge on Myovela's performance each night. If he plays to his full potential, he has the tools to dominate games, lead his team, and make a serious case as one of the state's premier basketball players.   [player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] | 6'2" Guard | Junior | Blue Valley   [player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] emerged as one of the premier players in Kansas last season, bursting onto the scene by earning Player of the Year honors in the highly competitive Eastern Kansas League. As he heads into his junior year, Walsh is set to lead what could be the most talented team in the state at Blue Valley — a squad with depth, athleticism, and championship-level expectations.   Walsh's game is built around exceptional skill and control. Operating with the ball in his hands, he plays with a natural feel and rhythm that allows him to dissect defenses. He reads the floor at an advanced level, often recognizing openings and rotations before they fully develop. When attacking, he uses subtle changes of pace and direction — mixing pivots, spins, and hesitation moves — to keep defenders guessing and create space for himself or his teammates.   Offensively, Walsh is a true dual threat. He's a confident shooter from deep, capable of pulling up from beyond the arc the moment he crosses half court. His range forces defenses to extend, which opens driving lanes and passing windows. In transition, he thrives by pushing tempo and delivering quick, accurate passes to teammates ahead of the play, turning defensive rebounds or steals into immediate scoring opportunities.   Around the basket, Walsh's craft and balance stand out. He has a variety of finishes in his arsenal and understands how to attack different types of defenders — whether that means absorbing contact against size or using touch and angles to score over length. His poise allows him to operate effectively in traffic and make smart decisions under pressure.   Beyond his individual talent, Walsh's leadership and understanding of team dynamics will be critical for Blue Valley's success. Surrounded by one of the deepest rosters in the state, he'll be tasked not only with creating his own offense but also with maximizing the talent around him — getting others involved, setting the tone, and guiding his team through high-stakes moments.   If Walsh continues his upward trajectory, he has the ability to not only repeat as one of the state's top players but also cement his legacy as the catalyst behind a potential championship run for Blue Valley.   [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] | 6'8" Wing | Junior | Blue Valley North   [player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] enters the season as perhaps the biggest wildcard among the Player of the Year contenders — a player whose ceiling might be higher than anyone else on this list. His talent and potential are undeniable, and the only remaining question is just how big of a leap he'll make this winter. If Davis takes the next step in his development, he has all the tools to emerge as one of the most dominant players in Kansas.   Offensively, Davis is remarkably versatile. With his combination of size, length, and skill, he can impact the game in a variety of ways. He's comfortable handling the ball on the perimeter, showing poise and control that allow him to initiate offense or create his own shot. One of his most impressive traits is his smooth, left-handed shooting stroke — consistent, confident, and effective from both mid-range and beyond the arc. His ability to stretch the floor makes him a matchup nightmare, as defenders must respect his perimeter shot while also preparing for his explosive athleticism around the rim. Davis attacks off the dribble with purpose, often finishing plays well above the rim and showing flashes of elite-level scoring potential.   Defensively, Davis is just as impactful. His instincts, timing, and length make him a natural rim protector, especially in help-side situations. He rotates well, understands positioning, and challenges shots without fouling. His versatility also allows him to switch defensively, guarding multiple positions and creating problems for opponents trying to exploit mismatches.   On paper, Davis possesses everything required to be at the center of the Player of the Year conversation — size, athleticism, skill, and the ability to take over games on both ends of the floor. The key question now is consistency: can he sustain a high level of play and assert himself as a nightly difference-maker? If Davis continues to mature and plays with confidence, there's little doubt that he'll finish the season among the state's elite. This winter will reveal just how far his game has come — and whether he's ready to turn his immense potential into dominance.   Reece Riedel | 6'5" Guard | Senior | Mill Valley   Fresh off his commitment to Washburn University, Reece Riedel enters his senior season as one of the fastest-rising prospects in Kansas 6A basketball. Few players in the state have shown as much growth and upward momentum over the past year. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, Riedel is poised to put an exclamation point on his high school career — aiming to lead Mill Valley on a deep postseason run.   Riedel's calling card has long been his elite shooting ability. He possesses deep, effortless range and one of the quickest releases in the state, making him a constant threat to score from well beyond the arc. Defenses are forced to account for him at all times, as he thrives at relocating without the ball — reading screens, finding soft spots in coverage, and punishing defenders who lose track of him for even a second. His movement and shooting gravity open up the floor for teammates, stretching defenses and creating spacing that fuels Mill Valley's offensive rhythm.   What makes Riedel especially dangerous now is how well-rounded his offensive game has become. Once primarily known as a perimeter marksman, he's significantly improved his ability to attack closeouts and put the ball on the floor. When driving, he creates advantages with his length and body control, allowing him to finish through contact or draw help defenders and kick out to open shooters. His growing ability to read defenders and make quick, decisive plays has made him a far more dynamic and unpredictable offensive weapon.   Riedel also contributes in areas that often go unnoticed. He's an aggressive and instinctive rebounder — particularly on the offensive glass, where his effort and anticipation frequently lead to extra possessions. Defensively, his basketball IQ stands out. Riedel has an excellent sense of timing and positioning, allowing him to disrupt opposing actions, anticipate passes, and generate turnovers. Once he gets into transition, he's adept at pushing the pace and creating scoring opportunities in the open floor.   With his shooting touch, improved versatility, and high-level competitiveness, Riedel has all the tools to be one of the most impactful players in Kansas this season. As Mill Valley gears up for what should be a strong 6A campaign, look for Reece to be at the forefront — leading with experience, confidence, and a complete skill set that could carry his team deep into March.   Sam Simmons, Jr. | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Olathe North   Committed to the University of Richmond, Sam Simmons stands out as one of the most dynamic lead guards in both the state of Kansas as well as nationally. He plays the game with a relentless motor and an edge that fuels his impact on both ends of the floor. Offensively, Simmons thrives on pace — constantly attacking with explosive bursts of speed but with the maturity to control tempo and pick his spots. His ability to break down defenders off the dribble allows him to get into the paint at will, where he consistently creates high-quality looks for both himself and his teammates.   Once Simmons gets downhill, his vision and creativity take over. He reads defenses exceptionally well and delivers pinpoint passes to open teammates, often leading to effortless scoring opportunities. As a scorer, he's a true three-level threat. Simmons is comfortable pulling up off the bounce from deep, where he's shown growing range and confidence. In the mid-range, he displays impressive balance and body control — capable of stopping on a dime for pull-ups or floating shots with either hand. Around the rim, he plays through contact with strength and fearlessness, finishing effectively even against bigger opponents.   Perhaps the most underrated part of Simmons' game is his perimeter shooting. His mechanics have tightened, and his confidence as a catch-and-shoot threat continues to rise. He's always shot-ready, squaring up quickly and knocking down shots with rhythm and poise.   Defensively, Simmons separates himself from nearly everyone else in the region. His intensity, lateral quickness, and anticipation make him a nightmare for opposing guards. He applies consistent on-ball pressure, forcing turnovers and disrupting offensive flow. His instincts in the passing lanes create transition opportunities, and his versatility allows him to switch onto multiple positions effectively.   Simmons is poised to lead an Olathe North squad that should contend for a state title, and his combination of skill, leadership, and relentless competitiveness make him a legitimate Player of the Year candidate. It's almost surprising that he isn't receiving more statewide recognition — because he truly has all the tools to be the best player in Kansas 6A this season.

In Kansas Class 6A basketball, the level of talent is consistently elite, showcasing some of the best athletes and competitors in the state. Each year, the division features explosive playmakers capable of taking over games, dynamic scorers who can fill up the stat sheet from anywhere on the floor, and versatile two-way players who impact both offense and defense at a high level. In this article, I break down my top six candidates for this season's Player of the Year award — analyzing the unique skills, leadership qualities, and overall impact that make each of them stand out. Additionally, I'll explore how each player can continue to elevate their game and strengthen their case for the honor as the season progresses.