Kansas’s Rising 2028s Making Their Presence Felt This Winter

It's hard to miss some of the rising young talent in Kansas this season, particularly within the class of 2028. Several players have already made a big impact and look poised to become some of the state's next standout names. In this piece, we'll take a closer look at a few of these prospects and explore what has contributed to their success this season.    Poulsen looks every bit the future coveted recruit, steadily trending toward the top of the 2028 rankings in the state. His ability to control the pace of the game is impressive — he never rushes, using subtle changes of speed to attack effectively with the ball. He's pushed Bishop Miege into contender status this season, showing he can score in bursts while running the offense as a true lead guard. His perimeter shooting is strong, and his range continues to expand. He's equally dangerous pulling up off the dribble or spotting up for catch-and-shoot opportunities. A smooth slasher, Poulsen uses crafty footwork and smart positioning in the paint to manipulate defenders and finish with either hand. His play has put Miege in prime position for a state title run and allowed them to compete at a high level in the ultra-competitive EKL over the final weeks of the regular season.     Another name that should come as no surprise is [player_tooltip player_id='2820798' first='Emmett' last='Delp'] — a true wing with next-level length and skill, and arguably one of the top long-term prospects in the 2028 class in the state. He's taken over this season, putting his full game on display and helping lead St. John to a strong campaign so far. Offensively, Delp is increasingly comfortable playing above the rim, whether in half-court sets or in transition, finishing with a blend of power and finesse depending on the situation. He thrives attacking off his left hand in isolation situations, using his frame to create space and absorb contact from defenders. As a shooter, he's shown deep range and the ability to rise over defenders for pull-up opportunities. Look for Delp to finish the season strong, carrying momentum into the spring and summer.     Barrett is undoubtedly my pick for the top player in the 2028 class in Kansas. His sophomore season has seen him continue to take major steps, growing more comfortable as he gains experience. His handle and elusiveness with the basketball are tough to match, constantly keeping defenders off balance. He's playing extremely well in ball-screen situations, making the right reads and attacking different defensive coverages with poise. An unselfish player and willing passer, Barrett can look off defenders and deliver teammates open opportunities with precision. As a scorer, he's smooth and often makes difficult plays look effortless. With his length from the guard spot, he can shoot over defenders from deep or in mid-range situations, and he's adept at creating space off the dribble, making him a threat to score almost anytime. Barrett has shouldered much of the offensive load for Free State this season, and that experience should pay dividends as he continues to develop over the next two years.     Walker has been a key contributor for a Wichita Heights team that has exceeded expectations this season. While [player_tooltip player_id='2211361' first='Jalihn' last='Timmons'] often commands the spotlight, Ah'Jaylyn has emerged as a reliable secondary scorer and defender, choosing his moments wisely. He's had standout games where his offensive impact is undeniable, and he looks poised to become the next big name to come out of the storied program. Walker is shooting the three with efficiency and is tough to contain off the bounce, particularly when attacking with his left hand. He also consistently earns trips to the free-throw line, showcasing his ability to create opportunities and put defenders at a disadvantage. If Heights hopes to make a deep run this spring, Walker will be a crucial piece and could be the difference in tight games.     You won't find a better athlete in Kansas than Jones, who has been the perfect complement to [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] and Jason Jones over the past two seasons. His size, length, and explosiveness create constant problems for opponents, as he often turns defensive stops into scoring opportunities. He's shown the ability to anticipate passing lanes and protect the rim, giving Bonner Springs another dynamic dimension on both ends of the floor. At his core, Jaiden is a transition player, always looking to run the floor and get out in open space. He's a dunker who finishes above the rim and uses highlight plays to create momentum and energize his team. With his scoring numbers on the rise, his two-way impact is growing quickly. Expect him to take over the metro next season as Bonner Springs' primary option — after, of course, he helps lead them on a run toward a state championship.     If you look at the numbers, Becker has been one of the most productive young players this season, consistently putting up strong offensive numbers and making an impact on the glass night after night. He plays with a determined, physical style, using effort and strength to get into positions for success. His versatility allows him to be effective both inside and on the perimeter. With an improved outside shot, the floor is opening up even more for him, while his above-the-rim finishes showcase increased athleticism and confidence near the basket. Becker should help Abilene secure several more victories as the season winds down, setting him up for a productive and growth-filled summer.     Perhaps the most underrated prospect on this list, Navarro is a player who likely won't stay under the radar for long. His size and length give him a high ceiling and the potential to rise toward the top of the 2028 class in the state. Gaige has led a Burlington squad that has looked the part this season and should be firmly in the postseason mix come March. He covers a lot of ground with the basketball, often getting from the wing to the rim in just one or two dribbles, while also showing he can space the floor as a shooter. Navarro consistently finishes over defenders and competes hard for rebounds, demonstrating his two-way impact. On defense, he's active, often in the right place at the right time, and has shown strong shot-blocking ability. His development this year is evident in his box scores, with big performances that have already put the state on notice.

It's hard to miss some of the rising young talent in Kansas this season, particularly within the class of 2028. Several players have already made a big impact and look poised to become some of the state's next standout names. In this piece, we'll take a closer look at a few of these prospects and explore what has contributed to their success this season.