The 5A Race Grows: Kansas Power Rankings at the Midpoint – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As I continue my statewide breakdown of Kansas basketball, it's time to turn the spotlight on 5A, where numerous programs are positioned to make a serious postseason push. In this two-part series, I'll rank and analyze each team — highlighting the players who drive their success and examining the key upcoming matchups that could ultimately decide the final pecking order. Part one will cover teams ranked 6–10, with part two diving into the top five.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>10. Washington</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On paper, Washington should be ranked higher, as they have all the pieces to be an elite 5A team. That said, like many programs, they've struggled with consistency at times this season. When their talent comes together, they're difficult to handle, but they'll need steadier contributions — especially from their top players — over the second half of the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2327569' first='Jamari' last='Williams'], EJ Berry, and [player_tooltip player_id='2619432' first='Jayden' last='Boggess'] provide Washington with a deep and talented perimeter corps. All three can provide scoring in bunches, with Berry showing flashes as a confident deep-range shooter, Williams combining size and length with a creative handle that allows him to attack the rim regularly, and Boggess bringing a quick, compact scoring threat along with disruptive on-ball defense. Williams also excels in transition as a flashy finisher and passer, especially when aggressive and assertive.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Adding to that mix are [player_tooltip player_id='2623117' first='Savion' last='Stone'] and CamRon Fields, rounding out a team loaded with potential. Stone provides strength and aggression, attacking the paint and securing rebounds at a high rate, while Fields serves as the team's glue, contributing on defense and scoring when needed as a versatile athlete.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Looking ahead, Washington should navigate most of their February schedule with ease, but a big showdown with Atchison late in the year will be a true test of how ready this team is to take the next step.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>9. Andover</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Andover is about as complete a team as you'll find on this list, with size and skill at nearly every position and a strong team culture that reinforces their identity on both ends of the court. They've faced an impressive schedule and have posted multiple dominant wins, suffocating opponents defensively. That said, they are still chasing that one signature victory that would solidify their status as true contenders. While they've kept games against quality programs close, they haven't quite been able to close them out.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2635662' first='Walker' last='McClellan'] provides the Trojans with size and versatility on the wing, able to use his body inside, attack off the bounce, or stretch the floor with long-range shooting. Guards [player_tooltip player_id='3243292' first='Griffin' last='Hand'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2394513' first='Paul' last='Evans'] bring experience, toughness, and a competitive mindset on both ends, giving Andover a strong perimeter presence and the ability to match up with guard-heavy teams. [player_tooltip player_id='2927405' first='Drew' last='Hutchinson'] adds interior size and strength, serving as an active rebounder and shot blocker while also providing a reliable scoring option inside when the team needs a bucket.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Looking ahead, games against Wichita East, Maize, and Maize South will be crucial opportunities for Andover to secure that signature win and make a statement as the postseason approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>8. Emporia</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With just one loss on the season — a narrow one-point defeat to Hays — Emporia could easily be ranked higher on this list. That said, head-to-head matchups carry weight, and the loss factors in. The Spartans share the ball exceptionally well and are one of the more connected teams in the state. Their ability to get contributions from multiple players makes them difficult to defend, often forcing opponents to account for everyone on the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Rylan Crowell is the engine of Emporia's offense. The strong, physical guard uses his body effectively as both a driver and ball handler, and has a consistent perimeter stroke that he often gets to off the catch, relocating off teammates' drives to find space. [player_tooltip player_id='2205713' first='Harrison' last='Trelc'] has emerged as a key scorer and floor general, using his high basketball IQ to create opportunities for himself and teammates by collapsing defenses. He's also a defensive disruptor, especially on the ball, which fuels Emporia's transition game. Tanner Seidl has been another reliable contributor, providing consistent shooting and fitting seamlessly into the team's defensive schemes as Emporia switches looks and pressures opponents.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Looking ahead, matchups against Kapaun Mt. Carmel, Washburn Rural, and Manhattan will be major tests for the Spartans as they move toward March.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>7. Hays</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bolstered by some impressive wins and a couple of close losses, it should be no surprise to see Hays on this list. The Indians boast a very balanced roster, full of players who thrive in their respective roles. They have size both inside and on the wing, which they've used to their advantage all season, creating physical matchups that suit their style of play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2211342' first='Dawson' last='Ruder'] and Izaac Fox have developed a strong on-court chemistry, with Ruder dominating the interior and Fox showcasing a versatile inside-outside game. Both have stepped up with big offensive performances and clutch plays at critical moments, helping Hays secure key victories. [player_tooltip player_id='2403201' first='Trey' last='Oakley'] is another player to watch, contributing on the perimeter and doing a little bit of everything when needed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Looking ahead, the two games against Great Bend before the end of the regular season will be Hays' biggest tests yet. How the team performs in those matchups will go a long way toward defining their standing as they head into postseason play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>6. Piper</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Piper has had its ups and downs so far this season, but the program has faced an extremely tough schedule, taking on several quality opponents from the Kansas City metro area. Despite the inconsistencies, I remain very high on the Pirates because of their experience, depth, and recent track record of success, including multiple Final Four appearances in recent years. I expect the team to fully round into form by late February — just in time for postseason play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson'] continues to stand out as one of the top players in the state. He's consistently put up huge numbers this season, and while he's always been dynamic with the ball, his scoring has taken a new leap. Whether slashing to the rim or knocking down shots from the perimeter, Jackson stays in control and can heat up at any moment. He's particularly dominant in ball-screen situations, reading defenses with poise and finding lanes to attack, consistently slicing through coverage to take over games.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Supporting Jackson is a deep, experienced core that includes players like [player_tooltip player_id='2211352' first='Cooper' last='Crawford'] and Alamar Brooks. Crawford provides Piper with size and athleticism as a versatile two-way forward, while Brooks serves as a defensive stopper and adds explosiveness as a finisher.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Moving forward, Piper will need more contributions from the supporting cast, especially with key games against Seaman and Topeka West coming up in February. These matchups will be critical, and the Pirates need to secure some marquee wins to set them up for a deep postseason run.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->