It’s Anyone’s Game in the 3A Player of the Year Chase

The race for the Kansas Class 3A Player of the Year during the 2025–2026 season is shaping up to feature several familiar names and standout performers. Traditionally, the 3A level has been dominated by experienced upperclassmen, and that trend is likely to continue this year. As the season unfolds, I expect the competition to narrow to five key players, each bringing a unique skill set and leadership style to their respective teams. Heading into the year, [player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson'] stands out as my early frontrunner for the award. His combination of talent, consistency, and on-court impact gives him a slight edge before the first tip-off. However, as we've seen time and time again, a lot can change once the season gets underway -- new stars emerge, teams find their rhythm, and unexpected opportunities arise. In the sections below, I'll take a closer look at these five players, breaking down their strengths, what sets them apart, and what I expect from each of them throughout the 2025–2026 campaign.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson'] | 6'3" Wing | Senior | Silver Lake   In an era when many players tend to specialize in one or two aspects of the game, [player_tooltip player_id='2403152' first='Dayne' last='Johnson'] stands out as the complete package — a player capable of doing whatever his team needs to win. With an ideal blend of size, strength, and athleticism, Johnson thrives as a true two-way force, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. His versatility allows coaches to use him in multiple roles, whether creating offense, defending top assignments, or controlling the glass.   Offensively, Johnson excels as a slasher and finisher, consistently putting pressure on defenses. His aggressive drives force defenders to collapse into the paint, opening up opportunities for his teammates. What makes him especially dangerous is his ability to absorb contact and finish with either hand from a variety of angles. Beyond scoring, he's a strong rebounder who often shifts the momentum of games with his work on the boards — extending possessions on offense and sealing stops on defense.   Johnson is also confident and composed with the ball in his hands. He can handle in transition, push the pace when necessary, and make smart reads to get teammates involved. His well-rounded game and leadership presence elevate everyone around him. After posting eye-catching numbers last season, Johnson appears poised to take another leap forward this year — potentially leading Silver Lake on a deep postseason run come March.   [player_tooltip player_id='2815491' first='Quaid' last='Thomas'] | 6'5" Forward | Junior | Cheney   The lone junior on this list, [player_tooltip player_id='2815491' first='Quaid' last='Thomas'] is one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 3A ranks and is set to take over as the focal point for Cheney this winter. A mobile and dynamic forward, Thomas combines size, strength, and athleticism in a way that allows him to dominate games on both ends of the floor. Around the rim, he's a constant threat — finishing through contact, attacking the glass, and dunking with authority. His ability to read defenses and find open space makes him a reliable scoring option in the paint, and his feel for positioning continues to improve with each season.   What makes Thomas especially intriguing is his expanding perimeter game. He's growing more comfortable initiating offense, handling the ball in space, and attacking mismatches off the dribble. This versatility not only adds a new layer to Cheney's offense but also makes him more difficult to scheme against.   Defensively, Thomas brings the same energy and adaptability. He has the lateral quickness to defend wings on the perimeter and the physicality to battle in the post. His timing as a shot blocker and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a valuable anchor on that end.   As Cheney looks to establish its identity this season, Thomas is poised to be the team's catalyst — a player capable of stuffing the stat sheet and taking over games. If his development continues on its current trajectory, expect him to post big numbers and emerge as one of the most impactful players in the state.   [player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Colby   Flying a bit under the radar as the season approaches, [player_tooltip player_id='1624987' first='Jordan' last='Jones'] is a name that could quickly command statewide attention once play begins. The talented guard is a natural scorer — the kind of player who can catch fire in a hurry and single-handedly shift the momentum of a game. With a stronger supporting cast around him this winter, Colby looks poised for improvement, which should in turn allow Jones to thrive both individually and as a team leader. Surrounded by teammates capable of contributing offensively, he'll have the freedom to balance his scoring with playmaking, creating open looks for others while still serving as the team's go-to option.   The first thing that stands out about Jones is his shooting ability. He's a high-level shot-maker who can stretch defenses with his range, consistently hitting from well beyond the arc. Jones has an uncanny knack for pulling up suddenly — leaving defenders off balance and rarely giving them a clean contest. His body control is exceptional; he squares to the rim in midair and comfortably knocks down fadeaways, turnarounds, and off-balance jumpers that most players wouldn't even attempt.   Beyond his perimeter scoring, Jones is also an effective driver. His quick change of direction and ability to manipulate defenders' hips allow him to attack straight-line lanes to the basket with ease. This combination of shooting touch, creativity, and explosiveness makes him one of the toughest covers in 3A.   If Colby can stay competitive and make a deep postseason push, Jones has the potential to put himself firmly in the Player of the Year conversation. The talent, numbers, and impact are all likely to be there — the only question left is whether Jones can elevate his game from star to truly dominant.   Kasen Parsons | 6'1" Guard | Senior | Osage City   Coming off a strong junior campaign that earned him Third Team All-State honors, Kasen Parsons enters his senior season with plenty of momentum and expectations. Notably, he was one of only three non-seniors in the entire state to earn a spot on the All-State first, second, or third teams last year — a testament to just how impactful he already is.   Parsons brings a complete, winning mindset to the floor. He's a smart, aggressive perimeter player who can fill multiple roles depending on what his team needs. Whether it's scoring in bunches, creating opportunities for teammates, or applying pressure as a shooter, Parsons consistently finds ways to impact the game. His understanding of how to read and adjust to different defensive coverages sets him apart; he rarely forces the issue and often makes the right play, even in high-pressure moments.   With Osage City returning a strong supporting cast alongside him, the Indians should once again be a formidable opponent — especially when postseason play begins. Parsons' blend of leadership, skill, and basketball IQ makes him the engine that drives this team. Expect more of the same consistency and production that made him one of 3A's top performers last season — and don't be surprised if he finds himself squarely in the Player of the Year conversation by season's end.   Ben DeVader | 5'11" Guard | Senior | St. Marys   Ben DeVader enters the 2025–2026 season with momentum on his side, following a productive summer that showcased the continued evolution of his game. A skilled and confident perimeter scorer, DeVader has developed into one of the premier long-range shooters in 3A basketball. He's comfortable getting to his spots both off the dribble and in catch-and-shoot situations, using advanced footwork — step-backs, side-steps, and hesitation moves — to consistently create separation from defenders.   This season, DeVader will shoulder a significant role as a primary ball-handler, which will inevitably draw the attention of opposing defenses. His ability to recognize defensive rotations and make the right read adds another layer to his offensive impact. When defenders commit too much help, DeVader is quick to find open teammates, forcing opponents to decide: sell out to stop him or play him straight up and risk giving up points.   He's also highly effective in ball-screen action, using his shooting threat to stretch defenses and manipulate coverages. Whether pulling defenders out beyond the arc or attacking when two defenders commit to the ball, DeVader consistently generates advantages for his team.   Expect DeVader to post impressive numbers this winter as he continues to expand his all-around game. The question now becomes whether his production and leadership can elevate his team to a deep postseason run — something that could firmly place him in the 3A Player of the Year conversation.

The race for the Kansas Class 3A Player of the Year during the 2025–2026 season is shaping up to feature several familiar names and standout performers. Traditionally, the 3A level has been dominated by experienced upperclassmen, and that trend is likely to continue this year. As the season unfolds, I expect the competition to narrow to five key players, each bringing a unique skill set and leadership style to their respective teams. Heading into the year, Dayne Johnson Dayne Johnson 6'2" | SG Silver Lake | 2026 State KS stands out as my early frontrunner for the award. His combination of talent, consistency, and on-court impact gives him a slight edge before the first tip-off. However, as we've seen time and time again, a lot can change once the season gets underway -- new stars emerge, teams find their rhythm, and unexpected opportunities arise. In the sections below, I'll take a closer look at these five players, breaking down their strengths, what sets them apart, and what I expect from each of them throughout the 2025–2026 campaign.