The Road to All-State: Developing 4A’s Top Playmakers

<!-- 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>Often overlooked in discussions about Kansas high school basketball, Class 4A doesn't always receive the recognition it truly deserves. Over the past several seasons, the division has produced countless compelling matchups, both during the regular season and on the state tournament stage. These games have been defined by players who can take over in critical moments, thrive within their roles, and deliver clutch, game-changing performances. Time and again, 4A has showcased the depth of talent, dedication, and growth that exists within its programs, proving that the level of competition runs as high as any other class in the state.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Looking ahead to this season, I believe some of the top overall players in Kansas will proudly represent 4A. The classification is loaded with athletes capable of earning All-State honors, and the balance of talent across teams promises a competitive, unpredictable year. It will be exciting to watch which players emerge as the most impactful and lead their squads to successful seasons when it matters most.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Third Team All-State</h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jayce Mourning | 5'10" Guard | Ottawa</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Julian Meraz | 5'9" Guard | Ulysses</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2393594' first='Zander' last='Ford'] | 5'11" Guard | Rose Hill</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Yogi Purdy | 6'4" Forward | Atchison</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Caden Fowler | 6'3" Forward | Andale</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2820764' first='Keenan' last='Poulsen'] | 5'11" Guard | Bishop Miege</em>*</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Kegan Bates | 5'9" Guard | Labette County</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='2205719' first='Liam' last='Tesmer'] | 5'10" Guard | Bishop Miege</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403189' first='Manny' last='Myers'] | 6'0" Guard | Mulvane</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Kellen Lanning | 6'3" Guard | Independence</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jack Horsch | 6'0" Guard | Andale</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Ryan Osburn | 6'6" Forward | Eudora</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Caleb Strong | 6'2" Guard | Pratt</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='1624974' first='Cooper' last='Carr'] | 6'3" Guard | Baldwin</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2327575' first='Aiden' last='McCullough'] | 6'3" Wing | Ottawa</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2328078' first='Arley' last='Morrell'] | 6'6" Forward | Pratt</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Jett Pyle | 6'2" Guard | McPherson</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>[player_tooltip player_id='2403183' first='Leo' last='Schoenberger'] | 6'5" Forward | Baldwin</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><em>Brody Haskell | 6'1" Guard | Augusta</em></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->