Who Rules 6A? Kansas Mid-Season Power Rankings Revealed – Part 2

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Continuing my look at the 6A power rankings in Kansas, here are my top five teams. Each of these programs is in prime position to contend as the season heads into spring. We'll break down what makes each team special, spotlight the players driving their success, and take a peek at some intriguing upcoming matchups that will help shape the race toward the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>5. Mill Valley</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Picked by many to be among the last teams standing this season, Mill Valley stumbled in a few early contests but now appears to be trending in the right direction. The Jaguars have rattled off seven straight wins, most in convincing fashion, as their chemistry and overall production start to click. Role players are settling into their roles, and the team as a whole looks to be gelling at just the right time, with plenty of the season still ahead.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Leading the way is Reece Riedel, one of the state's top players. He continues to showcase elite shooting range and scoring ability, capable of taking over games while also contributing with relentless effort on defense and on the boards. JaKhai Carter, one of the most dynamic athletes in the Kansas City metro, provides another explosive option. He can attack from all three levels, finish above the rim, and complement Riedel with a versatile scoring presence.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>Grady Larson and [player_tooltip player_id='2245759' first='Jack' last='Carpenter'] have also made significant contributions, offering reliable scoring, energy, and effort on the defensive end.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The Jaguars will face some of their biggest tests in late January and February, with key matchups against Blue Valley North, Shawnee Mission South, and Olathe North. These games will be crucial in defining their position as the postseason approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>4. Blue Valley</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>On paper, this is easily one of the most talented teams in the state. They have all the necessary pieces — size, skill, and a roster capable of attacking opponents in a variety of ways. Their ability to play through multiple options and simply ride the hot hand is something you don't often see, and it makes them especially difficult to prepare for. While they've collected several impressive wins, they also took a setback against a very good Rockhurst team, showing both their high ceiling and areas still being refined.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2230883' first='Parker' last='Seithel'] is the most difficult matchup on the floor for opposing teams. At a legitimate 6-foot-10, he can score with his back to the basket, step out to stretch the floor, and force defenses into uncomfortable decisions. His blend of size and skill makes him a constant problem to account for. [player_tooltip player_id='2866725' first='Brendan' last='Walsh'] serves as the Tigers' floor general, playing with excellent pace and a natural feel for finding angles to the rim and getting downhill. He also adds value as a reliable perimeter shooter.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2234471' first='Enoch' last='Rodriguez'] rounds out the trio as an elite wing defender who brings length, athleticism, and energy. He's especially dangerous in transition and when attacking from the wing with an aggressive mindset.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The second half of the season will be a major test, as Blue Valley faces one of the toughest remaining schedules in the state, with matchups against Manhattan, Blue Valley Northwest, and Blue Valley North. With that slate ahead, the Tigers will have plenty of opportunity to prove exactly who they are heading into postseason play.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>3. Blue Valley Northwest</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>One of the more underrated teams in the state, Blue Valley Northwest challenged itself early in the season and came away with several marquee wins. As February approaches, the Huskies appear to be finding their stride, showing just how deep and connected this group can be. They play together on both ends of the floor and have the ability to attack opponents in a variety of ways, making them a difficult matchup.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='1530221' first='Ayden' last='McGibboney'] is among the most experienced guards in the metro area and serves as the steady leader who makes everything run for Blue Valley Northwest. Zach Fritz and [player_tooltip player_id='2205712' first='Elijah' last='Bwami'] provide strong two-way impact, consistently contributing on both ends of the floor. [player_tooltip player_id='2205725' first='Tommy' last='Chapman'] is a knockdown perimeter shooter who stretches defenses with a smooth stroke and high release, while [player_tooltip player_id='2205720' first='Lincoln' last='Elliott'] and [player_tooltip player_id='2820771' first='Baron' last='Marshall'] add versatility and production as multi-dimensional contributors.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The depth continues with [player_tooltip player_id='2205705' first='Aidan' last='Ihm'] providing valuable minutes, and [player_tooltip player_id='2820900' first='Vinny' last='Matteoni'] developing into a young post presence who can protect the rim defensively and give the Huskies a physical interior option.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The second half of the schedule will offer a clearer picture of where Blue Valley Northwest stands, with key matchups against Blue Valley, Blue Valley North, and Bishop Miege looming. Those games should go a long way in shaping their postseason outlook as March approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>2. Olathe North</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>After a highly impressive December, Olathe North has suffered just one stumble so far this season and looks every bit like a legitimate 6A title contender. Their combination of depth and athleticism — particularly on the perimeter — poses a challenge for every opponent they face moving forward. Defensively, they can apply pressure and turn stops into instant offense, pushing the pace in transition and playing fast with purpose.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>[player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']. serves as the engine of this group and is one of the top lead guards in the region. His quickness, strength, and elusiveness with the ball allow him to control tempo and create opportunities for both himself and his teammates. [player_tooltip player_id='2209776' first='Cameron' last='Love'], Max Galindo, and Teke Deng are three other key contributors, each bringing a different element to the lineup. Love impacts the game on both ends with his length and explosiveness, Galindo provides a dynamic scoring punch along with strong ball-handling, and Deng anchors the interior by protecting the paint with elite length and timing.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>The upcoming schedule will provide several meaningful tests, with matchups against Lee's Summit, Shawnee Mission South, and Mill Valley on the horizon. Those games should challenge Olathe North and offer valuable opportunities for growth as the postseason approaches.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:heading {"level":3} --> <h3 class="wp-block-heading"><em>1. Shawnee Mission South</em></h3> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>There are no questions here — this is undoubtedly the top team in the state. The Raiders have dominated competition throughout the season, remaining undefeated while piling up several convincing blowout wins. They have also proven they can grind out a tough victory, highlighted by an impressive win over a strong Lee's Summit, Missouri, squad.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>What truly separates this group is the way they overwhelm opponents in waves. With a combination of depth, size, and skill, the Raiders consistently apply pressure, often extending their defense full court. That pressure forces a high volume of turnovers, which quickly turns into easy transition opportunities on the offensive end.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>This roster is loaded with talent, led by [player_tooltip player_id='2205710' first='Conor' last='Kerrigan'], [player_tooltip player_id='1892885' first='Drake' last='DeBaun'], Ben Allen, and Max McKenna. Kerrigan and DeBaun control the interior with their physicality and athleticism, impacting the game on both ends of the floor. Allen brings a reliable shooting touch while also serving as a steady facilitator when needed. McKenna adds another athletic presence on the perimeter, providing experience, stability, and consistent production to the lineup.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list --> <!-- wp:list --> <ul class="wp-block-list"><!-- wp:list-item --> <li>February will present a significant test for the Raiders, as matchups against Olathe North and Mill Valley loom large and will go a long way in shaping the postseason picture.</li> <!-- /wp:list-item --></ul> <!-- /wp:list -->