The 2A Player of the Year Race Promises Plenty of Excitement

The race for the 2A Player of the Year award is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the season. Across the classification, several standout athletes have emerged -- each possessing the kind of all-around talent that can single-handedly change the outcome of a game. These players combine explosive scoring ability with sharp court vision and relentless defensive intensity, making them indispensable to their teams' success. As the season unfolds, many of these stars will not only compete for individual honors but also look to guide their teams through competitive league battles and into what promises to be a thrilling postseason. With so much talent spread across the field, the race for this year's top honor should be as unpredictable as it is entertaining. In this piece, I'll take a closer look at five players who, in my view, stand out as serious contenders to claim the 2A Player of the Year title by season's end.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] | 6'6" Wing | Senior | Sterling   Ekart enters his senior season as the clear leader in the 2A Player of the Year race, following a standout junior campaign that firmly established him among Kansas' most complete players. Possessing an ideal blend of size, length, and athleticism, he fits the mold of a modern wing — capable of impacting the game in virtually every phase. His versatility allows him to slide between multiple positions on both ends of the floor, making him one of the most valuable and adaptable players in the state.   What makes Ekart so effective is his composure and pace. He plays with a calm, methodical approach, rarely allowing defenders to dictate his rhythm. Offensively, he can score at all three levels. His shooting stroke is smooth and efficient from beyond the arc, and with his high release point and size, it's extremely difficult for defenders to meaningfully contest his jumper. When opponents overcommit to closing out, he has the poise and footwork to use shot fakes and hesitation moves to get downhill. Once he's attacking, he finishes with strength and authority, often capping possessions with emphatic dunks when he gains momentum in transition or off straight-line drives.   Ekart's transition game is one of his defining strengths. He thrives in open-floor situations, running rim to rim with consistency and reading space instinctively. Whether filling the lane, finishing on the break, or trailing for a spot-up three, he brings constant pressure to defenses in early offense. In the half-court, he's just as effective — capable of creating his own shot, cutting smartly without the ball, and facilitating for teammates when defenses collapse.   Defensively, Ekart's impact is equally impressive. His length, timing, and basketball IQ allow him to guard multiple positions and rotate effectively as a help defender. He protects the rim exceptionally well for a wing, using anticipation and body control to contest shots without fouling. His understanding of angles and rotations makes him a defensive anchor — the kind of player who consistently puts himself in the right place to make winning plays.   Leading what is expected to be the top 2A team in the state, Ekart has both the talent and platform to strengthen his case for Player of the Year honors. With his polished skill set, leadership presence, and ability to elevate his team in big moments, he enters the season not just as a frontrunner — but as the standard others will have to chase.   Easton Shahan | 6'5" Guard | Senior | Moundridge   Shahan's arrival at Moundridge for his senior campaign instantly changes the complexion of the Wildcats' roster and raises the team's ceiling in a significant way. His addition gives Moundridge not only another high-level scorer but also a proven leader with the tools to push his name squarely into the 2A Player of the Year conversation. Standing at an impressive height for a perimeter player, Easton combines size, length, and balance in a way that makes him a tough cover for any defender. His frame allows him to comfortably operate above smaller guards, seeing over the top of defenses to make reads or elevate effortlessly for his jumper.   Known primarily as a shooter, Shahan's range stretches well beyond the three-point line, forcing defenses to extend and opening up space for teammates. His shooting mechanics are pure and efficient — featuring a high release point, smooth rhythm, and quick trigger — making him a threat to score off the catch or off the dribble. But his offensive impact extends far beyond his jumper. As last season progressed, he showed noticeable growth in his ability to attack the rim, putting the ball on the floor more frequently and finishing through contact with confidence. This development transformed him from a spot-up shooter into a multidimensional offensive weapon.   Perhaps most intriguing is Shahan's evolving playmaking ability. With his handle tightening and his vision improving, he's capable of initiating the offense when needed, operating as a secondary ball handler or even the primary facilitator in stretches. Surrounded by a deeper, more talented supporting cast at Moundridge, he should have more opportunities to showcase his all-around skill set — distributing to open shooters, running the break, and taking advantage of mismatches created by his size and versatility.   Defensively, Shahan's length and anticipation allow him to guard multiple positions on the perimeter and disrupt passing lanes. His competitiveness on both ends of the floor makes him a reliable presence who can set the tone for Moundridge.   Entering the season, Shahan may not be the consensus favorite for 2A Player of the Year, but his combination of skill, experience, and opportunity makes him an ideal dark-horse candidate. If he continues to expand his game and produces at the level he's capable of, don't be surprised if his name climbs steadily into serious contention as the season unfolds.   Isaiah Garrett | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Bennington   Long, athletic, and increasingly confident on the perimeter, Garrett enters this season poised to make a major leap and solidify himself among the elite players in Kansas 2A basketball. After doing a bit of everything for Bennington last year — scoring, facilitating, rebounding, and defending — he now looks ready to shoulder even more responsibility and lead his team on both ends of the floor.   What makes Garrett special is his versatility and explosiveness. He possesses a lightning-quick first step that enables him to blow past defenders and get to the rim with regularity. Once there, he has the balance and body control to finish over or around contact, often contorting midair to complete difficult layups or finish through multiple defenders. His length allows him to extend and finish plays that most guards can't, giving Bennington a true go-to weapon in the half-court.   But Garrett's offensive impact goes beyond his ability to attack off the dribble. He's a high-IQ player who understands how to move without the ball — cutting backdoor at the right moments, using screens efficiently, and finding soft spots in the defense. His awareness makes him a constant scoring threat, even when he's not the focal point of the play. Over the past year, he's also added consistency as a perimeter shooter, proving he can knock down three-pointers at a steady rate. His mid-range pull-up game is another emerging weapon; he elevates smoothly and can stop on a dime, keeping defenders guessing between his drive and jumper.   Defensively, Garrett might be at his very best. His length, lateral quickness, and anticipation make him a disruptive presence on the perimeter. He takes pride in pressuring the ball, jumping passing lanes, and turning defense into instant offense. Once he creates a turnover, his transition game becomes deadly — sprinting the floor, finishing above the rim, or finding teammates in stride. His energy and instincts set the tone for Bennington's defensive identity and often spark momentum-shifting runs.   If Garrett continues to refine his all-around game — tightening his handle, maintaining his shooting rhythm, and expanding his leadership role — he has the tools to elevate himself into the upper echelon of 2A players by season's end. With his athletic gifts, improving polish, and relentless motor, expect his name to be firmly in the mix among the state's top performers when the awards conversation begins.   [player_tooltip player_id='1785100' first='Jack' last='Donovan'] | 5'11" Guard | Senior | Rossville   Donovan has been a recurring name in conversations throughout the fall, and for good reason. As the floor general of a deep and talented Rossville squad, he'll be at the center of everything the Bulldogs hope to accomplish in what could be a memorable season. With a roster built to contend for a 2A state championship, Jack's blend of leadership, shooting, and poise will be vital in guiding Rossville through the grind of a long campaign.   Offensively, Donovan brings an elite shooting touch that immediately changes how opponents have to defend. After connecting on over 45% of his three-point attempts last season, he's established himself as one of the premier perimeter threats in the classification. His quick release and smooth mechanics make him dangerous both spotting up off the catch and pulling up off the dribble. Defenders can't afford to sag off him, and when they overcommit, he's skilled enough to put the ball on the floor, navigate ball screens, and make smart reads to find open teammates. Whether initiating the offense or spacing the floor away from the ball, Donovan's gravity stretches defenses and opens driving lanes for everyone around him.   Beyond his shooting, Donovan's ball-handling and composure under pressure give Rossville a steady hand in key moments. He has a natural feel for pacing an offense — knowing when to push the tempo and when to slow things down. His ability to handle defensive pressure and protect the basketball allows the Bulldogs to stay organized even against high-intensity opponents.   Defensively, Donovan brings toughness and competitive energy. He's more than capable of matching up against opposing lead guards, using his anticipation and physicality to disrupt rhythm and force tough shots. His willingness to defend and take on challenges sets an example for teammates and underscores his two-way value.   As the season unfolds, expect Donovan to put together several standout performances that showcase his scoring ability, leadership, and knack for winning plays. If Rossville lives up to its potential, it will almost certainly be with Donovan steering the ship deep into March — and perhaps even toward a state championship appearance when it's all said and done.   [player_tooltip player_id='2879563' first='Trey' last='Williams'] | 6'4" Wing | Senior | Ell-Saline   Williams is poised to take another significant leap this winter after an impressive junior campaign that showcased his growing all-around game. With a strong frame and solid size on the wing, he combines power and athleticism in a way that makes him a matchup problem for opposing defenders. His ability to attack off the bounce and finish through contact gives Ell-Saline a dynamic slasher who can consistently pressure defenses.   One of Williams' most noticeable strengths is his ability to finish at the rim. He's shown flashes of explosiveness, elevating for dunks in both the half-court and transition. Whether cutting backdoor, filling the lane on the break, or attacking closeouts, Williams plays with aggression and confidence. His athleticism also makes him a reliable lob threat — timing his cuts well and finishing plays above the rim with authority.   While his attacking ability has long been a staple of his game, Williams made considerable strides last season as a perimeter shooter. His confidence from beyond the arc grew noticeably, and he became a more consistent threat to stretch the floor. That shooting progression has made him a more complete offensive weapon, forcing defenders to respect his range and giving him more opportunities to exploit driving lanes.   Defensively, his combination of strength and lateral quickness allows him to guard multiple positions, making him an important two-way contributor for Ell-Saline. His competitiveness and physical presence often set the tone for the Cardinals' energy on both ends.   Heading into his senior season, Williams looks ready to embrace a leadership role for an Ell-Saline team with high aspirations. As he continues to refine his shooting and decision-making, his production should rise significantly. If he builds on last year's momentum, Williams could emerge as one of the breakout stars in 2A — helping to power the Cardinals into contention against some of the best programs in the state.

The race for the 2A Player of the Year award is shaping up to be one of the most exciting storylines of the season. Across the classification, several standout athletes have emerged -- each possessing the kind of all-around talent that can single-handedly change the outcome of a game. These players combine explosive scoring ability with sharp court vision and relentless defensive intensity, making them indispensable to their teams' success. As the season unfolds, many of these stars will not only compete for individual honors but also look to guide their teams through competitive league battles and into what promises to be a thrilling postseason. With so much talent spread across the field, the race for this year's top honor should be as unpredictable as it is entertaining. In this piece, I'll take a closer look at five players who, in my view, stand out as serious contenders to claim the 2A Player of the Year title by season's end.