The Road to All-State: 5A’s Best Talent Chasing Honors

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we inch closer to November and the start of another thrilling high school basketball season, I'll be breaking down each classification across Kansas and spotlighting eighteen standout players from each division. These are athletes who, in my opinion, possess the skill, production, and leadership to earn First, Second or Third Team All-State recognition by season's end.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kansas 5A basketball has long been known for showcasing exceptional talent, fierce rivalries, and unforgettable moments on the court. While some familiar faces will graduate and move on after the 2024–2025 season, the upcoming 2025–2026 campaign is shaping up to be just as competitive -- if not more so. With a wealth of skilled players spread across the state, fans can expect an exciting mix of high-energy regular-season battles and postseason matchups that will be must-watch events for basketball enthusiasts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>A strong combination of returning All-State standouts, promising underclassmen ready to make their mark, and several players already garnering attention from college programs sets the stage for another thrilling year. The depth of competition ensures that every game will feature intensity, drama, and athletes capable of turning the tide in an instant. From breakout performances to highlight-reel plays, the season promises to uphold Kansas basketball's reputation for excellence and excitement at every level.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Third Team All-State</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1974549' first='Jackson' last='Bruce'] | 6'4" Guard | Spring Hill</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Blaise Dalian | 6'5" Forward | Kapaun Mt. Carmel</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jason Jones | 6'2" Wing | Bonner Springs</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'] | 6'4" Guard | Maize South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211344' first='Cole' last='Dillon'] | 6'3" Guard | Newton</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Tyland McGee | 6'3" Forward | Turner*</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2328082' first='Emmitt' last='Peters'] | 6'3" Guard | St. James Academy*</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>*tied</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Second Team All-State</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211346' first='Rocco' last='Keller'] | 6'5" Forward | Kapaun Mt. Carmel</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211342' first='Dawson' last='Ruder'] | 6'6" Forward | Hays</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Rylan Crowell | 6'1" Guard | Emporia</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul'] | 6'6" Wing | Topeka West</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Malakyah Duncan | 6'4" Wing | Topeka West</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403177' first='Jacob' last='Hall'] | 6'2" Guard | Great Bend</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">First Team All-State</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209777' first='Ian' last='Premer'] | 6'6" Forward | Great Bend</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] | 6'4" Guard | Seaman</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] | 6'2" Guard | Bonner Springs</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] | 6'1" Guard | Piper</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Cy Stucky | 6'6" Forward | Maize South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2327569' first='Jamari' last='Williams'] | 6'3" Guard | Washington</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->