The Road to All-State: Predicting 6A’s Brightest Stars

<!-- 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>At the 6A level, fans can once again expect an incredible collection of talent — a mix of dynamic scorers, versatile playmakers, and dominant interior presences ready to leave their mark on the 2025–2026 campaign. Many of these players are already proven stars with established résumés, while others are emerging prospects poised for breakout seasons that could catapult them into statewide recognition.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>With a blend of returning All-State selections, rising underclassmen, and several athletes already attracting college attention, the 6A ranks promise to deliver another year of high-level competition, elite performances, and nightly highlight moments. The depth of talent across this classification ensures that every matchup will bring intensity, storylines, and players capable of taking over a game.</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='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'] | 6'4" Wing | Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211347' first='Gavin' last='Popik'] | 6'0" Guard | Olathe Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2039558' first='Simon' last='Rowley'] | 6'1" Guard | Washburn Rural</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2628356' first='CJ' last='Duson'] | 6'0" Guard | Blue Valley North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] | 6'3" Guard | Blue Valley Northwest</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Vince VanDellen | 6'5" Wing | Gardner-Edgerton</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2209782' first='Lovell' last='Autry'] | 5'10" Guard | Junction City</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>*tied</em></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='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] | 6'5" Wing | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>JaKhai Carter | 6'2" Guard | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'] | 6'6" Forward | Shawnee Mission South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'] | 6'10" Forward | Blue Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2205706' first='Avant' last='Riley'] | 5'10" Guard | Derby</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] | 6'0" Guard | Wichita Heights</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='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'] | 6'6" Forward | Shawnee Mission South</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] | 6'3" Guard | Maize</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] | 6'2" Guard | Blue Valley </em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'] | 6'8" Wing | Blue Valley North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Reece Riedel | 6'5" Guard | Mill Valley</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Sam Simmons, Jr. | 5'10" Guard | Olathe North</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->