The 5A Race Grows: Kansas Power Rankings at the Midpoint – Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>As we reach the midpoint of the season, it's time to take a closer look at the top five teams in my ongoing breakdown of Kansas' top 5A programs. These teams have clearly separated themselves from the rest of the field so far, but with plenty of basketball still left to be played, it will be interesting to see how many can maintain their spot near the top once the postseason arrives. We'll also take a look at the players who make these teams go and preview some key February matchups that could shake things up down the stretch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>5. Maize South</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Perhaps the biggest wildcard on this list is Maize South. The Mavericks boast a deep and talented roster that tested itself early in the season, showing they can compete with nearly anyone. Lately, they appear to be gaining momentum, particularly with some dominant defensive performances. Their size and depth allow them to match up well against a variety of teams and wear opponents down, especially when those teams try to attack offensively. Offensively, their rotation has impressive pop, with players who work well off each other and can ride the hot hand when needed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Cy Stucky leads the way for the Mavericks as one of the stronger interior players in the state. His combination of size and mobility allows him to operate effectively around the rim, whether rolling off ball screens or playing with his back to the basket. Stucky is also a physical, versatile defender, athletic enough to switch onto the perimeter and guard smaller players when needed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'] serves as the primary ball handler and is equally effective as a passer and scorer, playing with confidence and occasional flash. His added strength and size this season have helped him drive and finish through contact, while he continues to showcase a streaky but accurate long-range shooting ability that adds another dimension to his game.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Paxton Scott has also emerged as a key contributor for the Mavericks. He can score from both the perimeter and midrange, using a quick, abrupt pull-up to create separation. He also adds another dynamic ball-handling option to the lineup, with unexpected quickness off the bounce and a strong change-of-pace game. This trio — Stucky, [player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste'], and Scott — leads the way, supported by a cast of role and bench players who can provide meaningful production on both ends of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Matchups against Andover and Maize in February will be pivotal for the Mavericks, offering a clearer picture of whether they have what it takes to make a deep postseason run this year.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>4. Topeka West</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>A few weeks ago, West might have been higher on this list, but a recent loss to Seaman has pushed them down to here. Even so, the Chargers have built a strong résumé, especially with their early-season wins. They boast good size and length across the roster and play a disruptive brand of defense. They get their hands on a lot of basketballs, frequently forcing turnovers or disrupting opposing offenses to the point where teams struggle to operate efficiently. Their defense often fuels their offense, allowing them to push the pace and use their size and skill to generate easy scoring opportunities against unsettled defenses.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With a very deep roster, the Chargers have several players capable of taking over a game at any moment, including [player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul'], Malakyah Duncan, Prince Lassiter, Jay'Veon Traylor, and Gad Munganga. Paul and Duncan are extremely long wings who block shots, rotate well defensively, and allow West to play aggressively. Both are also effective scorers, able to shoot from outside and attack off the bounce, using their size and length to their advantage. Lassiter is the team's anchor inside, protecting the paint with strength and the ability to alter shots while also taking over offensively as a dominant finisher against smaller defenders.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Traylor and Munganga pace the backcourt as quick, active players who pressure the opposition and create turnovers. Offensively, Traylor can score at multiple levels, while Munganga is a reliable perimeter shooter, efficient in drive-and-kick situations and comfortable operating with fluidity and confidence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With Shawnee Heights and Piper still on the schedule, these are two key games to circle for Topeka West — opportunities to improve their standing in the 5A landscape before the postseason.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>3. Bonner Springs</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There's no question that Bonner Springs has been the most dominant team in Class 5A to this point, rattling off nine straight wins — many of them in convincing fashion. Offensively, the Braves share the ball extremely well and have multiple players capable of scoring. On the defensive end, they play connected and take pride in doing the little things: rotating to help, taking charges, blocking shots, and cutting off ball handlers.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While they've looked impressive, the next question they'll need to answer is how they respond when tested by a true contender — something that has yet to happen. That challenge will ultimately determine whether they can cement themselves near the very top of the 5A hierarchy.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] is the engine that makes everything go for the Braves. He controls the ball but has a unique ability to involve his teammates, creating for others just as effectively as he creates for himself. Gruver is an unselfish and highly skilled passer who consistently finds teammates and throws them open with accurate, timely drop-offs and reads. As a scorer, he's been excellent this season, particularly from long range, shooting with confidence and displaying what feels like unlimited range. He also plays much stronger than his frame suggests, finishing through contact and attacking the rim effectively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Jason and [player_tooltip player_id='2820802' first='Jaiden' last='Jones'] are also key pieces of the puzzle. Jaiden brings size, length, and an impressive finishing package above the rim. He thrives in the open floor, pushing the pace in transition where he can use his athleticism to get to the basket. Jason, while also a good athlete, operates with more polish on the offensive end. He's shown a much-improved perimeter shot and can be smooth and efficient when slashing into gaps in the defense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Prince-Davynn Donnell has been another pleasant surprise, giving Bonner Springs an additional scoring option and a quick, active defender who fits well alongside Gruver in the backcourt. With Baldwin on the schedule twice in February, those matchups should provide a clearer picture of where this team truly stands and will likely determine whether they move up or down this list.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>2. Seaman</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Although Kapaun may be the best team in Class 5A to this point, Seaman is home to the best player in the classification. [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] has taken his game to another level this season, elevating Seaman into true contender status while also enhancing the production of those around him. With Bonner's leadership setting the tone, it's clear that his teammates are feeding off his play and maximizing their individual skill sets. The group has already racked up impressive wins over Piper, St. James, and Topeka West, making it clear that Seaman is very much a legitimate force in the 5A race.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Bonner is a complete player who impacts the game in every area. He can attack the rim, use his body to finish through contact, knock down shots from extended range, and facilitate for others, all while displaying a high basketball IQ. At times, the game appears to slow down for him, allowing him to make difficult plays look easy and consistently deliver the right reads with the ball in his hands. His ability to play efficiently both on and off the ball makes him especially difficult to cover and consistently puts defenses in challenging positions.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>He's also getting strong support from [player_tooltip player_id='2245738' first='Griffin' last='Zuniga'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1965355' first='Landon' last='Wiltz'], both of whom have been productive on both ends of the floor and complement Bonner's skill set extremely well. Zuniga provides Seaman with a strong interior presence thanks to his size, length, and skill, while also offering the ability to stretch the floor and knock down threes in rhythm. Wiltz brings versatility on the perimeter, capable of creating with the ball in his hands or relocating as a shooter. He reads closeouts well and can shoulder a significant portion of the outside scoring load when needed.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With Washburn Rural, Piper, and Shawnee Heights still remaining on the schedule in the second half of the season, Seaman will have plenty of opportunities to continue growing and strengthening its résumé before March.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>1. Kapaun Mt. Carmel</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>So far, the top team in 5A continues to run through Wichita. The back-to-back state champions remain undefeated and, until proven otherwise, must be knocked off before anyone else can move ahead of them. As deep and talented as this group is, the biggest question surrounding the team is who will serve as its closer this season and how that player will impact games that are likely to be much tighter come the state tournament. With Will Thengvall and Corbin Johnson now long gone — two players who consistently delivered in big moments in recent years — that role is still being defined.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>While that question will likely be answered in February and March, there is no doubt this team is extremely deep and plays with a strong identity on both ends of the floor, making them very difficult to compete with. Blaise Dalian, Jude Porter, and [player_tooltip player_id='2211346' first='Rocco' last='Keller'] provide the Crusaders with a strong blend of experience and production, all while fitting seamlessly into the program's team-first style of play. All three play with a high level of fundamentals and bring something different to the equation in terms of skill set.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Dalian can stretch the floor with his shooting, handle the basketball well for his size, and be very deliberate as an interior scorer when needed. Porter initiates much of the offense and thrives in the open floor, using his quickness while also making a strong impact as a primary defender. Keller, another player with good size, is effective on both the wing and the interior. He uses shot fakes and pivots well, shows a strong ability to finish with either hand, and can knock down shots when given space.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Despite dealing with an injury to impact defender [player_tooltip player_id='2395695' first='Jordan' last='Maingu'], several other strong two-way players have stepped up. Ryan Cary, Reid Stuhlsatz, Cole Rapp, and Jackson Gosch have all had moments where they've made meaningful contributions and are consistently part of the rotation, providing strong defense and continuity.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2715470' first='Braylon' last='Jones'] has also added valuable depth and versatility on the interior, growing quickly and showing signs of becoming a highly productive player in the future. With a rising Wichita East program and Wichita Heights still remaining on the schedule, those two matchups loom as the final major tests for this team during the regular season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->