New Wave of Stars Fuels the 5A Player of the Year Battle

In recent years, Kansas Class 5A basketball has been shaped by a collection of standout players — athletes who not only dominated the competition but also left a lasting legacy within the state's high school basketball scene. As the 2025–2026 season approaches, however, a new generation of talent is preparing to take center stage. This year represents a true changing of the guard, as a group of hungry, driven players steps forward with the goal of carving out their own place among Kansas basketball's elite. The upcoming season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with emerging stars eager to test themselves against the top programs across the state. Fans can look forward to intense matchups, breakout performances, and the kind of energy that comes when young players seize the opportunity to lead. Many of these athletes have been on an upward trajectory for several years — developing their skills, maturing their games, and positioning themselves for a chance to shine on the biggest stage. With so much new talent ready to make its mark, the race for 5A Player of the Year honors is wide open. Here are my top six players to watch as the battle for the award unfolds this season.   [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Seaman   [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] has firmly established himself as one of the premier guards in the state of Kansas — regardless of class. Over the past two seasons, his development has been remarkable, evolving from a promising young talent into a confident, physically imposing floor general with a complete skill set.   Bonner is widely recognized as one of the top perimeter shooters in the region. His combination of deep range, quick release, and ability to create space allows him to score efficiently even against tight coverage. He's mastered the art of getting to his spots, whether off the catch or off the dribble, and consistently punishes defenders who fail to close out with discipline.   While his shooting draws much of the attention, Bonner's improvement as an attacking playmaker has been equally impressive. He's become far more assertive off the bounce, using his strength and balance to finish through contact or draw defenders before finding open teammates. His feel for the game stands out — he reads defenses effortlessly, recognizing rotations and anticipating help before it arrives. This vision, paired with his unselfish approach, allows him to elevate everyone around him.   Bonner plays with a calm confidence that commands respect from both teammates and opponents. He competes with poise, makes high-level reads under pressure, and takes pride in doing whatever his team needs to win. Expect him to fill up box scores throughout the year, impacting the game as a scorer, facilitator, and leader for Seaman.   If his upward trajectory continues, Bonner could very well be the catalyst for a deep postseason run — and a legitimate contender for 5A Player of the Year honors.   [player_tooltip player_id='2209777' first='Ian' last='Premer'] | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Great Bend   [player_tooltip player_id='2209777' first='Ian' last='Premer'], one of Kansas' top dual-sport athletes, is not only a highly coveted football recruit but also one of the most dominant basketball players in the state when he's on the court. If he chooses to suit up for his senior basketball season, Great Bend immediately becomes a legitimate state championship contender — led by Premer's power, athleticism, and relentless energy.   Premer's physical tools make him a game-changing presence. His combination of size, strength, and explosiveness allows him to take over contests on both ends of the floor. He plays with an unmatched motor, seemingly never running out of energy, and has a knack for making momentum-shifting plays that bring the crowd to its feet. In transition, he's a force — sprinting end to end, creating turnovers, and finishing at the rim with highlight-level dunks that electrify the gym.   In the half court, Premer's impact continues. He's a dominant interior presence who can score in a variety of ways, using his strength to establish position and his athleticism to rise above defenders for clean finishes. His ability to create second-chance opportunities through offensive rebounding adds another layer to his offensive value, constantly applying pressure to opposing frontcourts.   Defensively, Premer is just as impressive. His versatility allows him to guard multiple positions — using his strength to battle inside while possessing the lateral quickness and hand speed to defend wings and perimeter players. He's also a reliable rim protector, timing his jumps well and contesting shots both as a primary defender and in help-side rotations.   With Premer back in the lineup, Great Bend would be one of the deepest and most dangerous teams in 5A. His all-around impact, leadership, and intensity make him a clear candidate for Player of the Year consideration — and if he does take the court this winter, expect him to be right at the center of the championship conversation.   [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Bonner Springs   [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] might not be the most recognizable name on this list, but should change that narrative soon. The talented guard is expected to be the heartbeat of a Bonner Springs team poised to make a serious run at a state title this winter. With his combination of experience, basketball IQ, and complete skill set, Gruver embodies the definition of an all-around player who can control the flow of a game from start to finish.   With the ball in his hands, Gruver operates with poise and purpose. He dictates tempo using his sharp sense of pace and direction, keeping defenders off balance with subtle hesitations, changes of speed, and quick reads. Fundamentally sound, he displays a polished offensive toolkit — incorporating shot fakes, pivots, and strong two-foot finishes that consistently put him in scoring position. His attention to detail and technical precision make him a tough assignment for any defender.   Gruver is also a natural playmaker. His unselfishness and vision allow him to read defenses and make timely passes, setting up teammates for high-percentage shots or driving lanes. Whether initiating offense in the half court or pushing the pace in transition, he makes the right decisions to keep the team in rhythm and engaged.   Defensively, Gruver's intelligence shines just as much as his offensive skill. He's an excellent positional defender who understands angles, spacing, and rotations — allowing him to anticipate plays before they develop. His awareness keeps him in the right place at the right time, whether he's boxing out for rebounds, closing out shooters, or providing help defense in the lane.   Gruver's ability to impact the game on both ends of the floor, combined with his leadership and consistency, makes him the kind of player who elevates everyone around him. Expect him to produce standout performances throughout the season and lead Bonner Springs deep into March — potentially all the way to the state championship stage.   [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Piper   It feels as though [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] has been playing in high-stakes games for years — a testament to his experience, maturity, and competitive edge. A proven veteran within Kansas high school basketball, Jackson brings a blend of leadership, intensity, and poise that makes him one of the most battle-tested players on this list. As the floor general for a loaded Piper squad with championship aspirations, he'll be tasked with leading the program back to the state tournament and finishing what they started last March.   Jackson is a true two-way lead guard with impressive length, instincts, and versatility. Offensively, he's a confident three-level scorer who can beat opponents in a variety of ways — pulling up from deep, attacking downhill, or creating separation in the mid-range. His ability to read defenses and create advantages allows him to break down opponents efficiently, whether by finding open teammates or finishing plays himself. In transition, he's dynamic and composed, showing a veteran's understanding of tempo — knowing when to push the pace and when to slow things down to keep the offense under control.   Around the rim, Jackson uses his strength and body control to finish through contact and rebound effectively from the guard position. Defensively, his competitive drive shines. He's a disruptive on-ball defender who applies consistent pressure, often neutralizing opposing lead guards with his motor, anticipation, and toughness. His energy on that end of the floor sets the tone for his team and creates easy scoring chances in transition.   With Jackson at the helm, Piper enters the season as one of the top contenders in Class 5A. His leadership, composure, and ability to elevate those around him make him the engine that drives the Pirates — and a strong candidate to lead them deep into March in pursuit of a state title.   Cy Stucky | 6'6" Forward | Senior | Maize South   Washburn commit Stucky stands out as one of the most physically gifted and imposing players in the state. Entering his senior season, he's expected to be the centerpiece for a talented Maize South team capable of making a serious postseason run. His blend of strength, skill, and versatility makes him a matchup nightmare and a player who can impact the game in multiple ways.   A true inside-out forward, Stucky's versatility allows him to adapt to any defensive look. In the paint, he uses his power and touch to finish through contact with either hand, establishing himself as a consistent scoring option near the rim. On the perimeter, he's equally effective — comfortable facing up defenders, setting solid screens, and creating opportunities through intelligent movement. His understanding of spacing and timing enables him to find gaps within the defense and capitalize on scoring windows, making him a dependable offensive threat.   Stucky's work ethic shines on the glass. He's a forceful and persistent rebounder who extends possessions with his relentless pursuit of the ball, often outworking bigger opponents for second-chance opportunities. Defensively, his versatility is just as valuable. He can guard multiple positions — using his size and strength to battle in the post, while his lateral quickness allows him to switch onto guards in ball-screen actions without losing effectiveness. This adaptability gives Maize South a unique advantage on both ends of the floor.   With his physical tools, basketball IQ, and leadership, Stucky is poised for a breakout year statistically. The key question heading into the season will be how much he can elevate his play — and whether he can consistently take over games to solidify himself among the elite players in Kansas 5A basketball.   [player_tooltip player_id='2327569' first='Jamari' last='Williams'] | 6'3" Guard | Senior | Washington   [player_tooltip player_id='2327569' first='Jamari' last='Williams'] enters the season as the clear leader for a Washington squad loaded with talent and depth at nearly every position. After a strong showing this past summer, expectations are high for Williams to take a significant step forward this winter, both as a scorer and a floor leader. His combination of athleticism, skill, and competitive drive allows him to impact games in ways few players in the state can.   Williams thrives with the ball in his hands. He's at his best breaking down defenders with sharp changes of direction and bursts of speed, creating scoring opportunities for himself or for teammates. Above the rim, he's explosive, frequently finishing over or around defenders with authority. His improved shooting, particularly from beyond the arc, adds another layer to his offensive game — a smooth left-handed stroke that keeps defenses honest.   Equally impressive is Williams' ability in the mid-range. He's confident pulling up off the dribble or using a variety of floaters, often shifting directions or changing pace to find efficient scoring opportunities. This versatility makes him difficult to guard and allows him to maintain offensive consistency in a variety of situations.   With his high ceiling, Williams has the potential to dominate not just stat sheets but the overall flow of games. If he can lead Washington deep into the postseason while maintaining elite production, he will be a front-runner for Player of the Year honors in Kansas 5A basketball. His skill set, athleticism, and leadership make him a player to watch every night this season.

In recent years, Kansas Class 5A basketball has been shaped by a collection of standout players — athletes who not only dominated the competition but also left a lasting legacy within the state's high school basketball scene. As the 2025–2026 season approaches, however, a new generation of talent is preparing to take center stage. This year represents a true changing of the guard, as a group of hungry, driven players steps forward with the goal of carving out their own place among Kansas basketball's elite. The upcoming season is expected to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, with emerging stars eager to test themselves against the top programs across the state. Fans can look forward to intense matchups, breakout performances, and the kind of energy that comes when young players seize the opportunity to lead. Many of these athletes have been on an upward trajectory for several years — developing their skills, maturing their games, and positioning themselves for a chance to shine on the biggest stage. With so much new talent ready to make its mark, the race for 5A Player of the Year honors is wide open. Here are my top six players to watch as the battle for the award unfolds this season.