Kansas’ Elite Five of 2025–2026 — Who’s the Absolute Best?

It's never easy to narrow it down to just five names when looking at the high school basketball scene in the state of Kansas. From small towns to big cities, the level of talent across the state continues to rise, and breaking into that elite tier requires players to take their games to another level.   I've put together my top five players from the season, taking a deeper look at what each of them accomplished on their way to earning a spot on this list.   [player_tooltip player_id='2211343' first='KaeVon' last='Bonner'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Seaman   23.5 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 5.4 APG, 2.6 SPG   An easy choice for this list, the word “feel” immediately comes to mind when watching Bonner play. At times, it almost looked effortless this year as he navigated the floor — probing, attacking, and almost always making the right decision. As a scorer, he checked all the boxes throughout the season: knocking down shots from outside, excelling in the in-between game, and finishing at the rim. He used his size and length from the perimeter to his advantage, allowing him to get to his spots almost whenever he wanted.   He consistently trusted his teammates and had a knack for finding them in the right spots, helping build a well-rounded, strong core for the Vikings that allowed several players to step up throughout the season. Bonner was also the go-to guy when the team needed a bucket or a big play to take control of a game or steady things in a tough moment. He willingly carried Seaman to a third-place finish at state and a 23-5 overall record, navigating some of the toughest competition in the state along the way.   While his recruitment is still open, there's no shortage of interest from schools at the next level. If a program is looking for someone who can step in and contribute immediately, Bonner fits that role perfectly.   [player_tooltip player_id='2211348' first='Kelan' last='Gruver'] | 6'2" Guard | Senior | Bonner Springs   17.9 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 4.6 APG   If you had asked me at the start of the season, I might not have had Gruver on this list. While I knew he would be a key piece for Bonner Springs, I don't think I could have predicted the season he would put together — not just as a scorer or defender, but as a leader. He led the Braves to a 27-1 record and a state championship, doing so with a certain level of calmness and steadiness.   You can easily point to his skills as a shooter and scorer, but it was everything else he did that allowed Bonner Springs to become the best version of themselves. Gruver's basketball IQ was unmatched all year — he consistently made the right plays, trusted his teammates, and put them in positions to succeed. He also made the little plays that often go unnoticed: rebounding in traffic, taking charges, or securing a 50/50 ball. Time and again, Kelan came up with the plays his team needed to win.   He also showed a flair for the dramatic. In Wichita, at the state championship, he hit the game-winning shot to take down Kapaun Mt. Carmel — perfectly illustrating his ability to perform under pressure. While his next stop is still undecided, there's no doubt in my mind that Gruver will be playing at the next level; it's just a matter of him finding the right fit where he can continue to grow and improve.   [player_tooltip player_id='2403145' first='Boston' last='Ekart'] | 6'6" Wing | Senior | Sterling   22.6 PPG, 7.4 RPG, 1.4 BPG   It's crazy to think that Ekart might be the most dominant player on this list when you look at what he was able to do night in and night out. The combination of length and athleticism consistently overwhelmed opponents as he led Sterling to their second state championship in as many years.   Offensively, there wasn't much Boston couldn't do. In transition, he covered ground in a hurry, going from end to end in just a few dribbles and often finishing with a dunk. As a driver, he could finish over defenders or stop and pivot to create space, again allowing him to shoot over the top of almost every contest. Add in his ability to knock down threes consistently, and it quickly becomes clear that nobody could slow him down.   But his impact wasn't limited to scoring. On defense, he was a cornerstone for Sterling, capable of rotating to protect the rim, disrupting passing lanes, and creating turnovers that fueled the break for the Black Bears. Finishing 49-3 over his final two seasons, Ekart would likely want to be remembered above all as a winner — a player who elevated those around him and consistently got the job done. As he heads to Northwestern College in Iowa to continue his basketball journey, Boston should be ready to crack the rotation early at the next level.   [player_tooltip player_id='2327573' first='Reece' last='Riedel'] | 6'4" Guard | Senior | Mill Valley   19.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.1 APG   Riedel's growth and development over the past few seasons has been clear, and he's always been a true shot-maker. His skill as a long-range shooter is undeniable — arguably the best in the state — but he's far more than just a shooter. An underrated athlete, he can explode off the floor while also using a quick first step to attack off the bounce and create advantages.   He's the type of player who only needs to see one or two shots fall to get hot, and once he does, he plays with ultimate confidence with the ball in his hands. This season, Riedel pushed Mill Valley to a third-place finish at state and a 24-4 record. He consistently empowered his teammates, and that confidence seemed to rub off on his supporting cast.   An all-around player, Riedel also showed he can work the glass from the guard position, particularly on the offensive end, where his pursuit created extra possessions and scoring opportunities for his team all year long. Watching him, it's easy to see why Washburn landed such a steal by keeping Reece at the Division II level, joining the top program in the MIAA.   [player_tooltip player_id='2958641' first='Sam' last='Simmons Jr']. | 5'10" Guard | Senior | Olathe North   14.4 PPG, 5.2 APG, 2.7 SPG   Simmons, who is also my pick for Player of the Year in the state, led Olathe North to the first state championship in school history. Being the leader of the best team in Kansas is no small task, yet Simmons rose to the occasion, delivering his best basketball in some of the biggest games and proving why he's headed to Richmond next year to compete against some of the top players in the country.   The accolades for Sam are already rolling in — he's been named the Gatorade Player of the Year in Kansas — and I have no doubt more honors are on the way. Watching him play this season was special. His ability to take over games with both athleticism and skill speaks to his overall effectiveness as a player. His short-area quickness and explosive acceleration with the ball in the open floor is something I haven't seen from any player in recent years. But it wasn't just about speed — he also displayed a masterful feel for the game, constantly changing his pace to create mismatches and open opportunities for the Eagles.   Simmons could easily have posted even bigger scoring numbers this season. His shooting from mid-range and beyond the arc was impressive, yet he often channeled his aggressiveness into creating scoring chances for his teammates. Time and again, you could see him reading defenses, attacking rotations, and making the right play. On the defensive end, he was just as effective — active, disruptive, and always challenging ball handlers. His quick hands and feet led to deflections and turnovers, which he immediately turned into fast-break opportunities.   There's no question in my mind: Simmons tops my list and was the best player the state had to offer in 2025–2026.

It's never easy to narrow it down to just five names when looking at the high school basketball scene in the state of Kansas. From small towns to big cities, the level of talent across the state continues to rise, and breaking into that elite tier requires players to take their games to another level.