The 5A Picture Is Clearing Up — Who’s Built for the Final Four?

If the season ended today, there are a handful of teams across Kansas that have clearly begun to separate themselves from the rest of the 5A field. They've earned statement wins, battled through tough stretches of the schedule, and proven they have the depth and talent to make a legitimate postseason run. You can sense the gap starting to widen.   With March approaching and the pressure beginning to build, now is the perfect time to step back and look at the landscape as it stands. These seven contenders have put themselves in position — but which of them is truly built to handle the grind, survive the pressure, and punch a ticket to the Final Four?   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Kapaun Mt. Carmel</h3>   Record: 19-0   Key Wins: at Wichita Heights, Emporia   There's always that one team you just expect to be playing deep into the season — a team that's capable of matching up with anyone it sees along the way. In recent years, no program has fit that description more consistently than Kapaun. They've become a fixture in the state tournament, a team you can practically pencil in to make a run every March.   What makes them so dangerous isn't necessarily a single headline-grabbing star. Instead, it's their culture and the depth of fundamentally sound players throughout the roster. Kapaun wins with collective effort. They execute on both ends of the floor, stay disciplined, and trust the system. Over the course of a game, their attention to detail and commitment to doing all the little things right can slowly wear opponents down. And when the moment calls for it, they've proven they know how to close out tight games.   So far this season, everything appears to be running smoothly. They've been cruising through their schedule and handling opponents convincingly. If you had to point to a standout performer, Blaise Dalian would likely top the list. At 6-foot-4, he brings experience, skill, and shot-making ability. He sees the floor well, is comfortable creating off the dribble, and willingly facilitates when driving into the lane. With range out to the three-point line, he forces defenders to step out, but he's just as comfortable operating with his back to the basket and finishing with either hand around the rim.   The depth behind him is just as impressive. Kapaun can stack its rotation against anyone in the state, thanks to experienced players who fully embrace their roles and understand the blueprint on both ends of the floor. Jude Porter has stepped into a larger role this season, taking on more responsibility as a ball handler and offensive initiator. [player_tooltip player_id='2211346' first='Rocco' last='Keller'] continues to provide experience and steady production, while [player_tooltip player_id='2395695' first='Jordan' last='Maingu']'s return from injury adds one of the state's more versatile defenders back into the mix. Freshman [player_tooltip player_id='2715470' first='Braylon' last='Jones'] is another name to watch — he's trending upward and gaining valuable, productive minutes as he adjusts to the varsity level.   When you step back and look at the full picture, it's difficult to imagine a scenario where the Crusaders don't have an opportunity to defend their back-to-back state titles this spring.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bonner Springs</h3>   Record: 19-0   Key Wins: Baldwin, Piper, at Ottawa   One of the most impressive teams in Kansas to this point has been Bonner Springs. It's hard to find any areas of concern when a team has dominated its schedule the way the Braves have. Still undefeated and seemingly playing with ultimate confidence, Bonner Springs has positioned itself as a legitimate Final Four contender, capable of beating any team they run up against.   The Braves stand out from other teams because of their cohesion and shared sense of purpose on both ends of the court. Offensively, they are really effective at spacing the floor and boast multiple players who can consistently knock down shots, making them extremely difficult to defend. Their floor spacing also opens up driving gaps and angles which they also use to their advantage. The balance they play with also allows them to compete in a variety of styles — they can push the pace in transition, but also attack in more possession by possession games, using methodical offense and different opportunities in the paint when needed. While the top three stars often grab the headlines, the supporting cast is equally impressive, quietly providing key contributions. Nate Ferrell and Prince-Davynn Donnell exemplify this impact; as versatile role players, they contribute on both ends, defending with attention to detail while taking advantage of scoring opportunities, perfectly complementing the team's leading stars.   At the forefront of everything Bonner Springs does are [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'], Jason Jones, and [player_tooltip player_id='2820802' first='Jaiden' last='Jones']. [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] is about as steady as it gets at the lead guard position. He sets the tempo, rarely gets rushed, and consistently makes the right basketball play. His smooth, accurate deep shooting forces defenses to respect him immediately upon crossing halfcourt, while his ability to read defenses in pick-and-rolls or drive-and-kick situations makes him a versatile offensive weapon. Gruver also excels off the ball, relocating to open spots and punishing defenses as a shooter.   Jason Jones brings another layer of consistency. He's a reliable scorer who combines a solid frame with noticeable athleticism, making him dangerous both as a shooter and as a slasher. He can attack the basket with authority, creating opportunities for himself and his teammates.   Perhaps the most pivotal player for the Braves is [player_tooltip player_id='2820802' first='Jaiden' last='Jones']. He provides Bonner Springs with size, length, and a level of maturity beyond his years. Confident and assertive, he's a difference-maker on both ends of the court — whether soaring in transition, protecting the rim as a shot-blocker, or finishing around the basket.   The Braves have all the pieces to make a deep postseason run. They look the part, play with focus and discipline, and show no signs of slowing down. Consistency and preparation will be key if they want to stake their claim as a serious state championship contender.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Piper</h3>   Record: 13-6   Key Wins: Mill Valley, Shawnee Heights, Topeka West   Forget the record. This Piper team has the personnel, the experience, and the belief to hit its stride at the right time and make a serious run. The foundation has been built over the past few seasons, and now it looks to continue. When you combine continuity with confidence, that's a dangerous mix in high school basketball.   Start with their leader, [player_tooltip player_id='2209781' first='DJ' last='Jackson']. When you have an elite point guard, you always have a chance — it's that simple. Jackson is playing some of his best basketball right now, and what's most impressive is the way he's expanded his game. He's no longer just facilitating or picking his spots. He's scoring from all three levels with consistency — finishing at the rim, knocking down mid-range pull-ups, and stretching defenses beyond the arc.   At his size, paired with his quickness, he's incredibly difficult to keep in front. He navigates ball screens well, keeping defenders on his hip while calmly reading the floor. That's where he's most dangerous — making the right decision and maximizing the weapons around him. And it doesn't stop on the offensive end. Jackson is a high-level rebounder for his position, crashing both offensively and defensively with purpose and tracking the ball at a high rate. Those extra possessions matter, especially in tight postseason games.   Alamar Brooks might be one of the more underrated two-way players in the area. He brings experience, toughness, and the ability to take over stretches of a game when needed. Throughout the season, there have been moments where Brooks has completely shifted momentum with his energy and athleticism. He covers ground effortlessly, plays above the rim, and excels in transition where his speed becomes a major weapon.   Defensively, he's also able to take over possessions. Brooks can disrupt opposing guards with ball pressure, strong lateral quickness, and the ability to recover if he gets beat. He doesn't just guard his position — he erases space and forces mistakes. That kind of defensive versatility becomes even more valuable in tournament settings.   Then there's [player_tooltip player_id='2211352' first='Cooper' last='Crawford'], who has quietly found another level of consistency. Lately, he's been shooting the ball at a sky-high rate, giving Piper a major boost offensively. What makes Crawford so valuable is his versatility. He provides size around the basket and can finish inside, but he's also a legitimate long-range threat who stretches the floor. Defenses are forced to respect him, and that opens driving lanes for Jackson and Brooks out of different actions.   Surround these three with a group of dependable role players and bench contributors, and Piper remains deep at nearly every position. They have length, skill, athleticism, and enough experience to adjust to different styles of play. Whether it's a fast-paced game or a physical half-court battle, they have the pieces to match up with anyone.   Don't sleep on the Pirates. With their leadership, balance, and depth, a return to the state semifinals — or even a deeper run — is absolutely within reach.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Maize South</h3>   Record: 16-3   Key Wins: Battle, Derby, Blue Valley West, Maize   The Mavericks have caught fire over the past few weeks, playing a polished, confident brand of basketball while stacking up impressive wins against quality competition. They've now rattled off thirteen straight victories, and many of those have come in dominant fashion.   A big reason for Maize South's surge is the continued development of [player_tooltip player_id='2816224' first='Jalen' last='Batiste']. His growth throughout the season has been impossible to ignore. With noticeable improvements to his physique and athleticism, he looks quicker, stronger, and far more explosive. That added burst has made him especially dangerous with the ball in his hands. His handle has tightened up, allowing him to create space and attack downhill, where he's finishing plays at the rim with more aggression.   While Batiste certainly commands attention as a deep-range shooting threat, some would argue that the most underrated part of his game is his passing. He has a flair for the spectacular, capable of making highlight-level plays, but it's his vision and timing that stand out. He consistently finds teammates in open windows and delivers the ball right where it needs to be.   Inside, Cy Stucky gives the Mavericks a legitimate post presence, helping balance the offense. He's comfortable setting and working off ball screens, but he can also establish position on the block and go to work with his back to the basket. His strength allows him to carve out space and power his way to the rim, giving Maize South a reliable interior option.   Beyond their two headliners, the Mavericks boast a deep group of role players who understand and embrace their responsibilities. Several bench and support pieces can knock down shots, which keeps defenses honest and prevents opponents from collapsing too heavily on Batiste or Stucky. That spacing opens the door for both stars to operate as playmakers when defenses send extra attention their way.   Maize South looks more than capable of competing with anyone at this point. They're battle-tested, having challenged themselves with a demanding schedule — particularly early in the season — and that experience is clearly paying off during this impressive run.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Topeka West</h3>   Record: 17-3   Key Wins: at Seaman, at Shawnee Heights   Topeka West might be the biggest wildcard not just on this list, but in the entire state of Kansas. From a pure size-and-skill standpoint, they arguably boast the most impressive roster in the field. Their length jumps off the page, and their ability to play fast, get up and down the floor, and apply pressure can completely flip the momentum of a game. When they're locked in, they don't just beat teams — they can overwhelm them.   What makes West particularly dangerous is their versatility. Defensively, they're capable of throwing multiple looks at opponents, adjusting schemes, and using their length to disrupt rhythm. Their flexibility allows them to dictate pace and create problems that many teams simply aren't equipped to solve.   The conversation starts with their two dynamic wings, Malakyah Duncan and [player_tooltip player_id='2209783' first='Keimani' last='Paul']. Both are highly active on the defensive end, rotating with purpose, protecting the rim, and jumping passing lanes. Their wingspans alone create issues, shrinking space and forcing opponents into tough decisions. Paul's ability to step out and operate beyond the perimeter creates difficult matchup situations, especially against bigger defenders who struggle to guard in space. Duncan, meanwhile, has shown flashes of true game-changing ability as a downhill driver. He absorbs contact, finishes through traffic, and consistently capitalizes on and-one opportunities at the free-throw line.   Inside, Prince Lassiter provides a physical presence with size, strength, and athleticism. He gives West a reliable anchor defensively and a true interior option offensively. They can throw the ball to him on the block and trust him to carve out space, finish through contact, and battle in crowded rebounding situations.   On the perimeter, Jay'Veon Traylor and Gad Munganga set the tone. Traylor is the more creative playmaker off the bounce, capable of breaking defenders down and generating offense. Munganga, on the other hand, has been lights-out from beyond the arc and has even carried the scoring load in stretches, pacing the Chargers offensively with his shooting.   If Topeka West can put all the pieces together and deliver a complete performance, they're more than capable of pushing any top team in the state. And if that happens at the right time, they could very well find themselves among the last teams standing.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Seaman</h3>   Record: 16-3   Key Wins: Piper, at Topeka West, at Washburn Rural   You'd be hard-pressed to find a stronger Player of the Year candidate in the state than [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner']. He's the kind of player who elevates everyone around him — and that impact has been clear all season at Seaman. The Vikings are very much in the mix, and a big reason why is the noticeable jump in production from multiple players across the roster.   Bonner is at his best with the ball in his hands. He plays with poise and purpose, constantly probing the defense, slicing through gaps, and forcing opponents to make tough decisions. Whether he's setting up teammates or creating his own shot, he always seems a step ahead. In transition, he's especially dangerous — pitching the ball ahead, pushing the pace, and putting immediate pressure on defenses scrambling to recover.   As a scorer, Bonner has shown he can completely take over games. He's exploded for big point totals on several occasions this season. His shooting ability stands out right away, particularly from long range, and that threat alone opens up so much of the floor. Defenders have to respect him beyond the arc, which allows him to operate comfortably in the mid-range, where he has a great feel and touch. Around the basket, he's become an even more powerful finisher, using his stronger frame and added size from a year ago to absorb contact and finish through it.   Seaman's success hasn't been a one-man show, though. [player_tooltip player_id='2245738' first='Griffin' last='Zuniga'] and [player_tooltip player_id='1965355' first='Landon' last='Wiltz'] have stepped up as reliable secondary scorers when needed. Both benefit from Bonner's unselfish approach, but they also understand how to play alongside him — spacing the floor, moving without the ball, and recognizing the right moments to make themselves available. Wiltz has been outstanding defensively and continues to produce offensively as a dependable outside shooter and steady ball handler. Zuniga's size has made a real difference on the glass, and he can stretch the defense with efficient shooting while also contributing inside the paint.   With several other role players embracing their responsibilities, this Seaman team has proven to be deeper than many anticipated. As long as Bonner is on the floor, they'll have a chance against anyone.   <h3 class="wp-block-heading">Hays</h3>   Record: 15-4   Key Wins: at Hesston, Emporia   Last, but certainly not least, is an impressive Hays squad that deserves plenty of attention. They're another program that hasn't shied away from challenging itself with a demanding schedule at various points throughout the season, and that experience has helped shape their identity.   Hays embraces its size and physicality. They want to establish themselves inside, feed the post, and play through an inside-out approach. At the same time, they do an excellent job of getting the ball to their top players in different spots on the floor and allowing them to operate where they're most comfortable.   [player_tooltip player_id='2211342' first='Dawson' last='Ruder'] is impossible to miss. His size and strength immediately stand out, and he's a tough matchup for any opponent. Inside, he finishes efficiently, using good footwork and the ability to score over either shoulder depending on how the defense plays him. He's shown he can counter effectively in the post, and he's also capable of stepping out and stretching the floor as a shooter, which makes him even more difficult to guard.   Izaac Fox might be the team's most influential piece because of how dynamic he is on both ends. At 6-foot-4, he brings good positional size along with high-level athleticism that really shows in the open floor. He can finish above the rim, attacks the glass with energy, and makes an impact defensively with his activity. Offensively, his ability to handle the ball, absorb contact, and power his way to the basket adds another dimension to Hays' attack.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403201' first='Trey' last='Oakley'] is another key contributor and may be the team's top perimeter option. He defends at a high level and shoots the ball well from deep, giving Hays valuable spacing and reliability on the outside.   This is not a team to overlook — especially in the postseason, when games tend to slow down and become more halfcourt-oriented. In those settings, Hays' size and physical presence could prove to be a major difference-maker in big moments.

If the season ended today, there are a handful of teams across Kansas that have clearly begun to separate themselves from the rest of the 5A field. They've earned statement wins, battled through tough stretches of the schedule, and proven they have the depth and talent to make a legitimate postseason run. You can sense the gap starting to widen.