Who Rules 6A? Kansas Mid-Season Power Rankings Revealed – Part 1

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kansas is loaded this year with teams competing to be the best in the state. Check out my latest power rankings highlighting the top ten 6A programs across Kansas. In this two-part series, I'll start by breaking down teams 6-10, spotlighting the standout players who have fueled their success through the first half of the season. I'll also take a big-picture look at what lies ahead, including key matchups as the race toward the postseason begins to heat up.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>10. Shawnee Mission North</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Perhaps the biggest surprise on this list — and maybe in the state this season — is seeing Shawnee Mission North crack the rankings. The Bison have put together an impressive collection of wins, even though they've come up short against the top teams on their schedule. Still, this group has been far more competitive overall and is being fueled by a roster that has taken a noticeable step forward.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2211345' first='Alex' last='Casares'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2623092' first='Dailan' last='Holman'] have continued to build on their experience from earlier seasons and have become highly effective playing off one another. Casares does most of his damage with the ball in his hands, running the offense, attacking defenders, and initiating action for the Bison. Holman presents matchup problems with his size, especially when operating from the wing, where he can initiate contact, attack gaps, or step out and knock down shots from the perimeter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2623107' first='Le'Andre' last='Franklin'] is another name to watch, as he has provided a spark and gives Shawnee Mission North an additional scoring option on the offensive end.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With Olathe North and Olathe Northwest still remaining on the schedule, the Bison have an opportunity to close the season on a high note and continue building momentum heading toward postseason play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>9. Manhattan</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There may not be a more battle-tested team in these rankings than Manhattan. The Indians have put together several impressive wins against quality competition, with many of those games coming down to the wire. Time and again, they've shown the ability to execute late, earning close victories over teams like Shawnee Heights, Hays, and Junction City.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Will Carpenter is the team's primary scoring threat and produces in a variety of ways. He can knock down big shots from well beyond the arc and use his strength to put pressure on defenses off the dribble. Carpenter is also a strong defender, setting the tone with his effort and helping establish a collective, team-first mindset on that end of the floor.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Henry Witt, Sawyer Newton, and Vince Doering are all vital pieces of Manhattan's success on both ends of the court. The trio plays well off one another, showing strong chemistry and connectivity. Each brings versatility with the ability to handle the ball, create for others, and score, giving the Indians valuable depth and flexibility on the perimeter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Manhattan's schedule won't get any easier, with upcoming matchups against Emporia, Blue Valley, Maize, Washburn Rural, and a second meeting with Junction City. Those games will continue to test the Indians and further define their place in the postseason picture.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>8. Maize</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Another Wichita-area program with a roster capable of matching up with most teams in the state is Maize. Like a few others in this group, the Eagles can be difficult to fully figure out at times. They've shown flashes of how good they can be but will be looking for more consistency as the season moves closer to spring and postseason play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2208970' first='Brayden' last='Myovela'] is the engine that drives Maize's attack, continuing to establish himself as one of the top players in the Wichita area and a dynamic two-way athlete. He's a tough matchup with the ball in his hands, allowing the game to come to him while reading defenses and putting teammates in scoring positions. When Myovela looks to be aggressive, he has the ability to take over games. His downhill slashing and strong finishing at the rim put defenses in difficult situations, while his confident pull-up game and shooting range open things up on the perimeter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='3173394' first='Karson' last='Miles'] anchors the interior for the Eagles, blocking shots at an elite level and at times completely taking games over on the defensive end. He also provides consistent scoring around the basket, giving Maize a reliable presence inside. [player_tooltip player_id='2245744' first='Ty' last='Willits'], Pearce George, and Kingston Lerma round out the lineup as important contributors, each capable of scoring when called upon and adding a different dynamic to the perimeter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>With Maize South, Manhattan, and Andover still left on the schedule, the Eagles will have plenty of opportunities for growth and development before the focus shifts fully to the state tournament.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>7. Wichita Heights</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Heights continues to establish itself as the class of 6A in Wichita and looks poised to be right in the middle of the state title conversation as February and March approach. The Falcons have held their own against top competition across the state, but the lack of a true marquee win makes them a bit difficult to fully gauge at this point in the season.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] leads the way as a true scorer and has put together several standout performances, showing the ability to take over games when needed. He gives Heights a go-to option in crunch time, playing with confidence and poise. His much-improved shooting stroke has made him a threat from the mid-range and beyond the arc, and despite his frame, he plays with toughness, embraces contact, and glides effectively around the basket.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2969778' first='Tyson' last='Phillips'] provides stability in the frontcourt, scoring with touch and feel around the rim while consistently controlling the glass on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2401810' first='Ah'Jaylyn' last='Walker'] has emerged as one of the fastest-rising young players in the state, delivering impact as a two-way contributor. He's a perimeter shooting threat who is also dangerous as an unorthodox slasher, making him a difficult matchup. Jordan Timmons has also come on strong as the season has progressed, adding another confident scoring option to the Falcons' attack.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The biggest question surrounding Heights is their remaining schedule. Opportunities to be truly tested will be limited as the season winds down, with another matchup against Kapaun looming late in the year. That game could play a key role in sharpening the Falcons before postseason play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>6. Blue Valley North</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>It's hard to find a team that's been more up and down than the Mustangs this season. One thing is certain — they have challenged themselves with a brutal schedule, but consistency has been elusive. At times, they've looked the part of a top-tier team, while other outings have fallen short of expectations. From a talent perspective, however, Blue Valley North has everything needed to compete near the top, combining experience with high-level skill.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2815486' first='Will' last='Davis'], one of the state's top prospects, is putting together a strong season and creates constant problems for opponents with his 6-foot-8 frame and the skill he brings with it. His length and comfort handling the ball in the open floor allow him to control possessions, and he's proven to be an effective three-level scorer. Davis also makes his presence felt on the glass and around the rim, rebounding at a high level and protecting the basket defensively.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2628356' first='CJ' last='Duson'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2205709' first='Colton' last='Nichols'] are also key pieces of the Mustangs' attack. Duson helps initiate the offense and provides reliable perimeter shooting, while Nichols brings a more physical approach, using his strength to attack the interior and create space, all while possessing enough skill to remain effective on the perimeter. Jackson Reis has been another bright spot, giving Blue Valley North a knockdown shooter with size and length — a player who can get hot and add another dimension to the offense.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The opportunity is there for the Mustangs to make a statement in the second half of the season, with matchups against Mill Valley, Blue Valley, and Blue Valley Northwest still ahead. Those games should go a long way in determining just how high their ceiling can be as the postseason approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->